The Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously approved a $300,000 city contribution on Nov. 17 to a $700,000 winter‑shelter initiative organized by the City, Kalamazoo County and the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care.

Patrice Griffin, executive director of the Continuum of Care, told commissioners the request for proposals initially sought 160 winter shelter beds and 24/7 access; the awards as approved cover about 65% of that bed target and include a mix of day‑center, overnight and hotel placements. Griffin said the county has committed $396,750 and the Continuum of Care $58,088, and the city’s $300,000 is the remaining local share needed to start deployments.

“Ministry with Community will be providing both day and overnight shelter, HRI will provide shelter coordination, and Dignity in Motion will provide hotel beds for medically vulnerable people — including arrangements for pets,” Griffin said. She said the program is scheduled to begin Dec. 1 and run through March, with the agencies using awarded funds to operate the services.

Commissioners pressed staff on timing and gaps. Commissioner Hoffman said the program’s launch is late, noting the deployment was expected Nov. 1; Griffin and other staff acknowledged the schedule slipped and said the remaining approvals are required before contracts can be executed. Commissioner Wilson asked whether the shortfall from 65% to the original bed target is solely a funding gap; Griffin answered, “It’s money.”

Michelle Davis, executive director of Housing Resources Inc., told the commission the RFP called for 160 beds and 24/7 coverage but that the funded package provides roughly 65% of those beds and limited daytime coverage. Andrea Trammell of Ministry with Community said her organization will provide 80 overnight beds in the program and is prepared to serve medically vulnerable clients.

Questions from commissioners also addressed pets (Griffin said hotel units would allow pets), shelter coordination (HRI will manage bed reservations and movement between providers) and contingency funding should beds fill quickly. Griffin said additional supports may be requested of the city or county as needs arise.

Votes at a glance: the motion to approve the agreement with United Way / South Central Michigan Continuum of Care (city portion $300,000) was moved by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Vice Mayor Duncan and passed by roll call vote (Commissioners Hoffman, Bridal, Slavy, Wilson, Vice Mayor Duncan, Mayor Anderson and Commissioner Hess recorded “yes”).

What’s next: staff will finalize contracts with the selected providers and operations are slated to begin Dec. 1. Officials said they will monitor demand and may return to the commission if additional funding or direction is needed.