KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As we reported last week, Kalamazoo County hasn’t had much luck trying to persuade smaller units of government to pitch in to cover the costs of emergency winter shelters for the homeless.
Not yet anyway.
The cities of Portage and Parchment and the townships of Kalamazoo, Comstock, Oshtemo and Texas were all asked to contribute.
The county dispatched staff to their meetings and most of the boards said no or talk to us later.
Portage officials put off the question until next week.
County board chair Jen Stebs says the argument that all residents pay into the housing millage and that should cover their contribution, hasn’t stopped the city of Kalamazoo from coming up with money.
The county has allocated $250,000 from the housing millage for winter solutions, but Strebs called on her own board to also contribute from its general fund if they hope to set a good example for other communities to show they all have “skin in the game.”
Currently the city has committed nearly $500,000, and the Continuum of Care committed another $100,000.
Comments