Kalamazoo commissioners approve $66,000 ARPA stopgap to stabilize supportive housing services

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 16 to authorize a short‑term ARPA funding strategy to stabilize Integrated Services of Kalamazoo’s (ISK) permanent supportive housing (PSH) program. Vice Chair Taylor moved the request and Vice Chair Pro Tem Hepler seconded; the motion passed on a roll call with six 'yes' votes.

Public commenters had urged immediate action. In public comment, Andrew Lasseter said the county “faces a deadline, December 31,” and warned that without reappropriated ARPA funds vulnerable residents could lose supports this winter. Administration told commissioners a HUD notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) had been reissued following litigation and that a shortfall could materialize Jan. 1; county staff proposed using ARPA funds for a three‑month bridge to buy time for longer‑term planning.

Commissioners expressed concern about the urgency and the need to develop a longer‑term solution while recognizing the financial logic of a short bridge to prevent evictions or loss of supports. Vice Chair Taylor called the action necessary for both fiscal prudence and humanitarian reasons. The board approved a $66,000 agreement authorizing staff to draft and execute the required documents; clerk roll call recorded six 'yes' votes with no recorded nos.

The board and administration said they would continue to coordinate with ISK and other housing partners, track HUD developments, and consider further action if needed.