KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Some of the most fervent protesters in Kalamazoo have taken up the cause of the homeless and they say the city is mistreating them.
Several were arrested at a protest during the sweep of an illegal encampment last fall and are demanding that charges be dropped, and that such sweeps be banned.
But Kalamazoo City Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman says Kalamazoo has an excellent reputation for its treatment of the houseless, so much so that it’s attracting them from other areas. She says Kalamazoo is considered to be “homeless friendly” because of the services offered here.
She says the expansion of the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission has made it possible for anyone one who needs one to get a shelter bed. She says on any given night there are more than enough shelter beds available for the homeless.
In fact Kalamazoo has 10 shelter, some serving the homeless with special needs. Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, and Muskegon each have three and Holland has none.
The only comparable city is Grand Rapids, which has ten, but is twice the size of Kalamazoo.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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