BREAKING: The city of Kalamazoo, MI, has spent $11,506.66 to provide one-way bus rides out of town for 73 homeless individuals since December 2023. This urgent initiative aims to assist unhoused individuals in reconnecting with family and support systems while navigating their challenging circumstances.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) has confirmed that the program is designed exclusively for those without a place to live. They emphasize treating participants with dignity and respect. KDPS Sgt. Amil Alwan stated, “They’re no different than you. They’re just in a different situation,” highlighting the human element of this initiative.
Introduced as part of the “Finding Your Way Home” program, this effort has garnered both support and criticism. Local advocate Judy Lowery has played a pivotal role in facilitating these travel funds. “We absolutely need a program that provides one-way bus or train tickets to people who are unhoused,” Lowery asserted, while suggesting that the program’s management should ideally lie with organizations focused on integrated services, rather than law enforcement.
Despite its good intentions, critics like Joana Babcock argue that the initiative may inadvertently force people into difficult situations. “Eventually, houseless people will be forced to take that (bus) ticket because they’ve accumulated tickets, fees, and warrants,” Babcock warned. Many believe that more comprehensive support services are necessary, instead of merely relocating individuals.
The program has successfully transported individuals to various destinations, including Las Vegas and Florida. However, the journey is often far from straightforward. For instance, one couple reported their trip from Kalamazoo to Virginia took days, filled with multiple stops that left them feeling anxious and fearful at times.
In August, the city commission approved an additional $15,000 for the program, indicating ongoing support despite the debates surrounding its implementation. The KDPS ensures that individuals seeking bus tickets must have a contact person ready to support them upon arrival at their destination.
While the bus rides serve as a temporary solution, many individuals still face the harsh reality of homelessness upon their return. One participant, Mandy Brown, expressed gratitude for the ticket but shared a troubling experience with the timing and conditions of her journey. “It would have been better if KDPS worked within our schedule more,” she reflected.
The return of some participants, like Brown and her partner, raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of the program. After a brief stay in Ohio, they ultimately returned to Kalamazoo, facing challenges with accessing further travel assistance from KDPS due to verification processes.
As the city grapples with a growing housing crisis, Lowery emphasized that Kalamazoo lacks adequate resources to support its unhoused population. “We have a housing crisis and a growing homeless crisis,” she noted.
As Kalamazoo continues to navigate these pressing issues, all eyes will be on the impact of the “Finding Your Way Home” program and whether it can effectively address the urgent needs of the community while ensuring the dignity of those it aims to help.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
