A New Year of opportunity

We had an exciting 2009 at Kalamazoo Collective Housing. Thanks to everyone who helped us throughout the year! Meristem Cooperative moved to a new house, Whiptail Haven got started, and we put a new roof on the Fletcher Collective! Meanwhile, our members and Board worked hard to plan our future. We've worked closely with groups like the Vine Neighborhood Association and Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services to start turning those dreams into reality.

The new decade will bring incredible opportunity for growth. Affordable rental housing is needed now more than ever. In the midst of a recession that is deeply affecting low-income and unemployed people, we need creative new economic models to take hold. Cooperatively-owned housing and worker-owned businesses are proven ways to build grassroots power and meet basic social needs. These models will grow globally as larger economic institutions fail to benefit most people.

At KCH, we intend to develop a variety of high-quality affordable rental housing that puts people first. Through this work, we will help revitalize Kalamazoo neighborhoods and give low-income residents more control over rental housing. But, we can only do it with community support. We need to collaborate with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to change our core neighborhoods for the better. Will you help by donating your money or talent?

Wishing you a Happy New Year of joy and creativity,

Michael Gregor
Executive Director