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Board approves $288,000 housing-stabilization agreement with Housing Resources, Inc.
Summary
Kalamazoo County approved a $288,000 housing fund agreement with Housing Resources, Inc. to provide housing stabilization services, combining previously allocated amounts. County staff asked HRI to report spending and compliance back to the board.
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 approved a $288,000 housing fund agreement with Housing Resources, Inc. (HRI) to provide housing-stabilization services, including eviction prevention and security-deposit assistance.
Housing Director Mary Balcoma told the board the requested funding combined a previously approved allotment of $144,000 from 2024 and $144,000 from 2025 into a single request because a related project (a pods program) would no longer proceed. Balcoma said HRI’s prevention funds were nearly exhausted and that HRI had approximately $3,500 remaining for security deposits, which creates a barrier for households attempting to move into permanent housing.
Commissioner Ray expressed concern and asked for a subsequent accounting report; several commissioners said they would support the funding to avoid immediate homelessness. Vice Chair Taylor moved to approve the agreement; the motion was supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Hepler and carried on a voice vote.
Balcoma said HRI receives roughly 70% of funding from federal sources and that federal streams remain in flux; the county funding is intended to shore up short-term prevention services as broader funding sources evolve.
The board directed that HRI’s use of county housing funds be documented and reported back to the board to ensure funds are used for eviction prevention, security deposits and other stabilization services described in the agreement.
