Kalamazoo is stepping up efforts to provide shelter for its homeless population during the upcoming winter season. In a collaborative initiative, the city and Kalamazoo County have allocated approximately $700,000 to fund the establishment of winter shelters.
Andrea Tramel, the development director at Ministry with Community, a nonprofit organization offering daytime shelter and resources, announced that the program would accommodate 80 individuals starting December 1 through the end of March. This initiative specifically aims to assist single adults seeking refuge from the cold.
“The need is just great,” Tramel remarked. “And if there’s a need in the community, we step up to provide that need.” She stressed the importance of having shelters ready before the winter chill sets in.
Ministry with Community is collaborating with several other nonprofit organizations, including Continuum of Care, Dignity in Motion, and Housing Resources Inc., to facilitate resources and infrastructure for this shelter initiative.
The temporary nature of the emergency shelter program is intended to evaluate potential long-term solutions for future winters. “Anyone can come in,” Tramel explained, emphasizing their commitment to creating a welcoming environment, particularly for transgender individuals.
“We provide a safe place to be that’s warm,” Tramel added, highlighting that nutritional dinner services will also be available.
Safety remains a top priority. Last winter, a local homeless resident, Tammy Christie, tragically died from exposure in an abandoned car due to inadequate shelter options.
“I think about her often,” Tramel confessed. “And I want to make sure that we don’t have a situation like that again this winter. We had some cold nights this last week and I didn’t sleep real well, because I know there were people outside in these elements.”
Tramel noted that homelessness is a multifaceted issue with numerous systemic challenges. She hopes that these shelters will offer a measure of stability for those enduring the harsh winter conditions.
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