KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The discovery of two people found dead outside in Kalamazoo in the last week and the colder temperatures, once again has homeless advocates demanding the city do more to help people without homes.
Several of them spoke to the city commission last night.
Public Safety Chief Dave Boysen says they don’t usually issue press releases when the cases involve suicide to protect the families, but felt he needed to clear up the rumors.
He says the 29-year-old found freezing in Martin Luther King Park last Wednesday had taken off his shoes and shirt before lying down in the snow.
He says a 60-year-old man found dead at the corner of Stockbridge and Mills Street Monday morning had hung himself from a light fixture.
Boysen says both had a history of mental and medical problems.
It prompted new commissioner Jacqueline Slaby to propose a subcommittee to look into ways the city can do more, like getting information on warming shelters to the homeless, and providing transport to the locations.
Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman says they don’t need another committee and there are plenty of groups already working to help the homeless.
Mayor Dave Anderson says Kalamazoo County has just issued plans to create a housing blueprint, which he feels is the right track forward.
Slaby’s proposal to form a houseless subcommittee died for lack of support.
We reported on the county Housing Director’s proposal to initiate a countywide reorganization of how they address affordable housing last month.
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