Battle Creek/Kalamazoo
About
The nationwide CoC concept grew from a push by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the 1990s for communities to streamline funding requests and coordinate services. In January 2020, leadership of the Kalamazoo County CoC transitioned from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). During 2020, the Continuum of Care Board of Directors will become a subcommittee of the UWBCKR Board, which will oversee CoC's activities.
Our Role
- We partner with our members to increase coordination and find solutions to the gaps, inequities, and challenges they experience when working to reduce homelessness.
- We measure and analyze data to ensure accountability throughout the system of services for those experiencing homelessness.
- We write, maintain, and monitor a community-developed, countywide, 10-year Plan to End Homelessness as mandated by HUD.
- We administer state and federal funding streams that mandate the use of the CoC structure.
VISION
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care's vision is for a county where everyone has equitable access to safe, affordable, dignified housing.
MISSION
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care's mission is to convene partners to improve communication and services, advocate for equitable solutions to end homelessness, and leverage state, local and federal resources to implement a county-wide Plan to End Homelessness.