It not news to anyone that we have a problem in America when it comes to homelessness. While I understand that some people choose to live that lifestyle, many of them do not and are often drowning every single day. Living in a first world capitalist country means life is very easy for some and very hard for others.

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Now, back to the issue at hand, homelessness is affecting largely affecting Michigan and has only gotten worse over the last couple of years. Many counties, cities, and townships have begun to implement some programs to help these individuals but there is still a long way to go.

If you know anything about humans and our needs, having the basic necessities like food, clothing, water, hygiene, shelter, etc. are the most important for us to have. If we are lacking in these areas, then we will lack in other areas of life as well. That's why this town in Michigan has decided to help with some of those necessities to help this community get back on their feet.

Kalamazoo and Portage have come together to provide a shelter for the homeless community but there are some important things to know. This will be a shelter that is for families that are experiencing homelessness along with some other criteria.

Below are 5 important things to know about the homeless shelter

  1. The current Country Inn & Suites hotel, 1912 E. Kilgore Service Road, near the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and Portage Street will close near the end of February and renovations will begin.
  2. The county will take possession of the property in June and plans are to open the shelter this summer. The opening will come after final preparations, compliance reviews and selection of an operator with expertise in providing housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness.

  3. Kalamazoo County is purchasing the property for $5.65 million, with critical upgrades included in the purchase price. Kalamazoo County previously approved $3.5 million for the project. The city of Kalamazoo has chipped in $1.2 million, and the city of Portage provided $500,000. The remaining amount, currently $450,000, will be covered by county housing millage funds.

  4. The county has been working to find a way to help create housing for the most vulnerable people in the community for years. Residents, leaders and organizations have long expressed a shared commitment to addressing housing and homelessness while also ensuring homes are safe, sustainable and supportive for all
  5. The county previously announced plans to buy a Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 3630 E. Cork St. in Kalamazoo, to create a homeless shelter. But the county later pivoted to the Country Inn & Suites instead. The Holiday Inn was built in 2000 and is 38,469 square feet, while the Country Inn was built in 1966 and is 46,328 square feet, per property records.

8 Must Have Items to Help the Homeless

Take a look at eight items that every homeless shelter needs. They don't cost much money and make a world of difference.

Gallery Credit: KEVIN MILLER

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