KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Is Kalamazoo doing enough to help the homeless?
There were more complaints at last night’s commission meeting, and it drew a sharp response from Vice Mayor Drew Duncan.
Such allegations have become a regular feature at city meetings, that housing prices are too high and too many are neglected, especially now that it’s getting cold.
Activist Shonna Espinoza speaks regularly.
“There are little ones out there. I was out there earlier and there are some out there that are younger than three. They shouldn’t be out on the street.”
Duncan says there are options, especially now that the community’s winter shelters are open.
“So if you come to the podium, please educate yourself and read the packets as to what we have done. We have expanded our beds to 210, that’s before a flake of snow has fallen this year.”
He says this is not the time to be spreading misinformation.
“If you are an activist here, and you want to work with the commission to make sure that no one freezes outside, the best thing that we can do is urge people to go into the shelters that we have provided and that this commission has bravely passed budget for.”
City Manager Malcolm Hankins says the city will spend nearly half a million dollars this winter season, and he has included another half a million in next year’s budget for the winter sheltering.
“Those options are available right now, so if there are any folks who do not have places to stay, they can find shelter in our city at this time.”
Housing Resources Incorporated is manning a 24-hour hotline to provide anyone who needs shelter information and directions at (269) 382-0287.
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