Our Long-Term Vision

We envision a strong and diverse network of cooperative housing throughout Kalamazoo that addresses the needs of low-income residents, supports the local community, and exemplifies sustainable living. Kalamazoo Collective Housing will take an active role in continually expanding cooperative housing opportunities in the city.

We will expand rapidly from 2009-2015. During this period, we will harness the energy and expertise of the many people in Kalamazoo who are seeking better housing options. We will also connect with other housing organizations to share our plans and learn from their experience. We will coordinate with community development organizations and other allies to expand in a way that improves downtown neighborhoods.

Structure

KCH is managed by a Board of Directors that is mostly composed of members of KCH properties. This Board oversees budgeting, staff, and policymaking.

Various structures from other successful organizations, including the Community Land Trust model, will be explored.

Property

We will have a diverse mix of property options in downtown neighborhoods to serve a variety of people. Creating and maintaining urban gardens at our properties will be a priority. Our property will use resources efficiently and integrate renewable energy as much as budgets allow. Our mix will include:

  • Group co-ops with strong histories and effective structures. These co-ops attract like-minded people who want to live in a group setting. They may be focused on specific themes.
  • Houses of 2-6 bedrooms that can be leased by groups or families
  • Apartments of 1-3 bedrooms
  • Family co-op development (style and structure to be determined)
  • Office space for KCH and space to lease to other nonprofits

 Staff

We will employ a professional team of permanent staff alongside temporary staff (provided by internships and programs like AmeriCorps VISTA). Our staff will coordinate the following:

  • Property Management and Maintenance
  • Finance
  • Education and Training
  • Outreach and Collaboration
  • Long-Term Planning
  • Fundraising
  • Expansion and Renovation
  • Grassroots Goods and other income-earning enterprises
  • Research

Education

We will provide a variety of training opportunities for our members and the public. Topics will include:

  • Orientation for New Members
  • Orientation for New Board Members
  • Annual Social Justice Retreat in the fall
  • Meeting facilitation
  • Accounting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Member recruitment
  • Strategic planning
  • Anti-oppression
  • Sustainable living

 Who We Serve

  • People who earn low incomes (less than 80% of the Area Median Income)
  • People committed to healthy and sustainable lifestyles
  • Parents and children
  • People who face discrimination in the for-profit housing market
  • Community activists, organizers, and volunteers

 Our Impact

  • Developing stable affordable housing
    Our housing costs are at or below market rates. Serving the needs of low-income residents is key to our work. By making cooperative ownership available to a wide range of people, we are fostering a more stable community in areas dominated by homes owned by absentee landlords.
  • Building leadership and preparing for homeownership
    Residents gain concrete skills during their time at our co-ops. In addition to teaching financial, maintenance, communication, and teambuilding skills, we develop strong leaders in the community. These leaders go on to start new programs, volunteer their talent, and remain engaged in Kalamazoo. They also walk away prepared for individual homeownership.
  • Supporting local business
    We strongly support local business and agriculture. Annually, we spend tens of thousands of dollars locally, which keeps resources circulating in the community. We prioritize purchasing from local vendors and producers.
  • Sustainability
    Our work is rooted in the belief that environmental and economic sustainability is critical in both serving our community and prospering as an organization. We strive for energy efficiency, find creative ways to reduce consumption and waste, and educate our members and neighbors about the importance of sustainable practices.

Values

These priorities will guide our decision-making at all levels:

  • Voluntary & Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Participation
  • Independence & Self Reliance
  • Education, Training, & Information
  • Sustainability
  • Cooperation among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community
  • Individual Responsibility

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