Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homeless Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board authorizes negotiation with Family Promise to operate Landing Place family shelter
Summary
Kalamazoo County authorized its administrator to negotiate a contract with Family Promise to provide residential shelter and housing‑focused case management at the Landing Place; Family Promise representatives described national affiliates and local experience in public comment.
Kalamazoo County commissioners voted July 1 to authorize county administration to enter contract negotiations with Family Promise, Inc., to provide residential shelter and housing‑focused case management services at the Landing Place family shelter.
The motion to authorize the administrator to begin negotiations was made by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Commissioner Wheeler, and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The board’s action authorizes the county to negotiate terms with Family Promise; it does not finalize a contract.
Family Promise public comment: Lisa Cruden, speaking for Family Promise, said the organization operates roughly 200 affiliates nationally and described experience opening shelters of various sizes and partnering with municipalities. Cruden told the commissioners that Family Promise brings training, advocacy and operational experience and intends to form a local affiliate to coordinate services with schools, libraries and local providers.
Why it matters: The Landing Place is intended to serve families with children who are unhoused; the county and Family Promise framed the arrangement as a public–private partnership model that could scale shelter and support services while connecting families to housing and community resources.
Next steps: County administration will negotiate contract terms and return to the board for approval of any final agreement. The July 1 action authorizes negotiation only; no final contract was executed during the meeting.
