KALAMAZOO (WKZO) — The Kalamazoo School Board is on record supporting a measure proposed by the Kalamazoo County Board that will appear on the November ballot, asking for one tenth of a mil countywide to help the homeless.
School Trustees say since 40% of the homeless are kids, its in their interest to have voters support the proposition.
Trustee Carol McGlinn says the millage is dedicated to helping homeless families and deserves the district’s support.
Supt. Michael Rice says it’s a very small request that will have a big impact on lives. At 1/10 of a mill it will cost a homeowner with a $100,000 home about $5 a year.
The new funding would expand a pilot program that has already gotten dozens of homeless families out of shelters, and given them a lift, not just by putting a roof over their head, but by offering counseling and other assistance that in the end leaves them self-sustaining once again.