Kalamazoo residents demand urgent action on homelessness and flooding issues

Concerns over homelessness and flooding dominated the March 17, 2025, Regular Business Meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission, as residents voiced urgent calls for action.

Amanda Sharpenal, a local advocate, highlighted the worsening conditions for the homeless population, citing a recent policy change at the local mission that limits individuals to two bags of belongings. "The situation is getting worse," she stated, emphasizing the struggles faced by those without stable housing. Sharpenal urged the city to establish warming and cooling shelters, expressing frustration over the lack of a city-run facility for the homeless.

Tina, a resident from the flood-prone area known as the "Bowl of Kalamazoo," echoed similar sentiments regarding the city's infrastructure. She criticized the city for neglecting storm drain maintenance, which exacerbates flooding issues in her neighborhood. "No home should get sewer backup in their basement every time it floods," she declared, calling for equal attention to her community's needs compared to other neighborhoods.

Matthew Allen, also a resident, shifted the focus to the upcoming elections, warning city officials that their actions in the next eight months would be closely monitored by constituents. "If I don't see the things that I like... I will be doing everything in my power to unseat the people who have not been working towards that," he asserted, emphasizing the urgency for improvements in homelessness support and infrastructure.

The meeting underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding the city's response to pressing social issues, with many calling for immediate and tangible solutions. As the city approaches election season, the pressure mounts on officials to address these critical concerns and restore faith in local governance.