Ad hoc committee recommends $725,000 in 2025 housing millage allocations for supportive services and creative projects

Mary Valkema, director of Kalamazoo County Housing, told the board on Aug. 6 that the housing millage ad hoc committee reviewed applicants and recommended $725,000 in allocations for 2025 in the “creative” and “supportive services” categories.

Valkema said the committee recommended $450,000 to Residential Opportunities, Inc. (ROI) in the creative category to rehabilitate 48 units across two developments (one in the city of Kalamazoo and one in Portage) that serve low‑ and moderate‑income residents, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Valkema said ROI is at the end of its tax‑credit term and the funding would help prevent displacement; the committee recommended that final grant agreements be contingent on ROI successfully refinancing the project and securing necessary regulatory agreements.

In supportive services the ad hoc recommended five awards totaling $275,000: $75,000 to Ministry with Community to fund a social‑service navigator and rent/deposit assistance (aiming to assist 45–50 people); $100,000 to Reach Sober Living to help men transition from sober living into independent housing with down‑payment/rental assistance, financial coaching and case management; $50,000 to Healthy House Sober Living to expand services for women in recovery; $50,000 to South County Community Services to fund services in the southern portion of the county, covering Pavilion, Climax, Wakeshaimer (Wakeshimer), Brady, Schoolcraft and Prairie Ronde; and $50,000 to an eviction‑diversion program described by Valkema.

Valkema said the committee reviewed 2025 applications and that the housing department concurs with the ad hoc recommendation; she said the full board would be asked to approve the allocations at a future meeting. Commissioner Ray asked whether the recommendations were only for 2025; Valkema said she is bringing the 2025 allocations and will return next year if multiyear awards are sought.

Commissioners asked questions about project contingencies and prioritization. Valkema said some awards will return with grant agreements and regulatory conditions; for example, the ROI award would be contingent on financing and regulatory agreements. Vice Chair Pro Tem Hepler and others thanked the committee for its deliberations.

No final appropriations were adopted on Aug. 6; Valkema said the ad hoc’s recommendations will be presented for board approval at a future regular meeting.