MISSION

KCH is a consensus-based cooperative housing community that creates the conditions where our members can take care of each other. We cooperatively own and steward affordable housing, share resources, learn, and teach together.

VISION

We envision a strong and diverse network of cooperative housing throughout Kalamazoo that addresses the needs of low-income residents, supports the local community, and exemplifies sustainable living. Kalamazoo Collective Housing will take an active role in continually expanding cooperative housing opportunities in the city.

 
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WE'RE DEDICATED TO

  • Creating permanently affordable rental housing
  • Developing neighborhood leaders and engaged citizens
  • Fostering democratic participation
  • Building community

Values

  • Concern for Community
  • Sustainability
  • Community/Group Self Reliance
  • Collective Responsibility
  • Voluntary & Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Participation
  • Member Economic Participation
  • Autonomy & Interdependence
  • Education, Training, & Information
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives

EXPANSION PLAN

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We will continue to expand in 2015-2020. During this period, we will harness the energy and expertise of the many people in Kalamazoo who are seeking better housing options. With ten  years of property management experience behind us, we are ready to purchase more homes and apartment units. We plan to:

  • Focus on core downtown neighborhoods
  • Buy existing housing, including vacant, foreclosed, or condemned property when appropriate
  • Renovate new purchases as needed, creating high quality, permanently affordable rental housing
  • Collaborate with neighborhood associations and existing housing providers

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

KCH is structured as a cooperative – residents control the governance of the organization. Eight residents and four non-resident community trustees sit on our Board of Directors. The Board oversees budgeting, staff, policymaking, and expansion. Through our democratic structure, we empower residents to make key decisions about their housing. With this responsibility comes commitment and shared ownership.

OUR IMPACT

  • Developing stable affordable housing: Our housing costs are at or below market rates. Serving the needs of low-income residents is key to our work. By making cooperative ownership available to a wide range of people, we are fostering a more stable community in areas dominated by homes owned by absentee landlords.

  • Building leadership: Residents gain concrete skills during their time at our co-ops. In addition to teaching financial, maintenance, communication, and teambuilding skills, we develop strong leaders in the community. These leaders go on to start new programs, volunteer their talent, and remain engaged in Kalamazoo. They also walk away prepared for individual homeownership.

  • Supporting local business: We strongly support local business and agriculture. Annually, we spend tens of thousands of dollars locally, which keeps resources circulating in the community. We prioritize purchasing from local vendors and producers.

  • Sustainability: Environmental and economic sustainability are critical in both serving our community and prospering as an organization. We strive for energy efficiency, find creative ways to reduce consumption and waste, and educate our members and neighbors about the importance of sustainable practices.

OUR PARTNERS

We are grateful for the generous support of: