$6.2 million for Affordable Housing and Assistance Authorized by Kalamazoo County, Find Out Where It Will Be Allocated
Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s ongoing series focuses on solutions for affordable housing and housing the unhoused. These initiatives have been made possible through the collaboration of various funders, including the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, the ENNA Foundation, and LISC.
Empowering Homeownership: According to Beth McCann, the executive director of Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services (KNHS), down-payment assistance can be a crucial factor in helping individuals with limited financial means realize their dream of homeownership. In 2022 alone, the KNHS Home Buyers Education and Coaching Program enabled 107 new homeowners, with 58 percent of them receiving some form of down-payment assistance. On average, this assistance amounted to $8,400.
McCann expressed her gratitude towards the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners for approving further assistance through the newly established Kalamazoo County Housing Millage. As part of this assistance, KNHS received a grant of $200,000, specifically aimed at helping individuals of limited means make down payments. McCann emphasized that down-payment assistance often serves as the missing piece of the puzzle, enabling individuals to achieve their goal of homeownership and positively transform their lives.
County officials confirm that more taxpayer funds are being directed towards expanding access to affordable housing and improving the housing stock in Kalamazoo County. The success of the inaugural year of the “Homes for All” Housing Millage has encouraged further investment in these critical goals, according to Mary Balkema, Kalamazoo County Housing Director. Balkema expressed optimism regarding the second year, highlighting the positive trajectory of these efforts.
The collaborative efforts of various organizations, along with the continued support of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, are driving significant advancements in affordable housing and homeownership opportunities in Kalamazoo County. Through initiatives such as down-payment assistance and increased funding allocations, the aim is to make homeownership a reality for more individuals with limited financial means, ultimately fostering positive change and expanding housing options within the community.
