Author: Jennifer L. Dayton
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Cracks in the Foundation
Jennifer L. DaytonFounder, The Kalamazoo Justice Project January – March 20, 2025 Once Christmas was over, the screaming in the hallways, the police lights outside my window, and the shouting from apartment 317 had mostly subsided. I hoped the worst had passed. New Year’s Eve was quiet, and for a moment, I believed things might…
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Why the City Manager Matters: Kalamazoo at a Crossroads
With longtime City Manager James Ritsema retiring on November 18, 2025 (City of Kalamazoo), Kalamazoo is entering a pivotal transition. This change comes at a moment when our city faces an affordable housing crisis, rising homelessness, and growing mistrust in local governance. Unlike the mayor — an elected official with limited direct administrative power —…
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Christmas at the Creamery
In December of 2024, I thought everything was finally aligning.On December 12, my feature with Bold Journey was published, a piece that celebrated the growth of Homecrest & Co. and the story behind it. It felt like a milestone, a moment when my continued hard work was starting to pay off for what I had…
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Half of Kalamazoo Lives Behind Rented Doors: Why That Matters
When we talk about housing justice in Kalamazoo, it’s easy for some to think the issue only affects a small group, a few families in public housing, or tenants facing eviction notices. But the truth is much bigger. To understand why housing justice matters, we have to start with the numbers. Nearly Half of Kalamazoo…
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The Creamery Dream – How a Promise of Stability Turned Into Betrayal
When I decided to sell my home in Milwood, it was with a sense of hope and optimism for the future. I believed I was making the best choice for my children, ensuring stability and a sense of home in the Southside or Milwood neighborhood. We were in the middle of a school year for…
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When Mayors Are Landlords: The Housing Power of David Anderson
Kalamazoo is a city at a crossroads, facing a housing crisis that demands our immediate attention. While we pride ourselves on being a community of generosity, innovation, and opportunity, the stark reality of our housing situation tells a different story. Every day, residents are grappling with unsafe conditions, escalating rents, and landlord retaliation. What’s more,…
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The Birth of Homecrest & Co. — Creating Light in a City That Wanted Darkness
The Moment of Realization (March 2023) Late March 2023 hit me like a weight: I was living a life others would envy — a six-figure corporate sales job, constant travel, closing deals, yet I hadn’t felt truly alive in years. I was missing my children’s milestones, craving stability, and exhausted by the pursuit of success.…
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Before the Walls Were Drawn: The Roots of Housing Injustice in Kalamazoo
Photo Credit: Kalamazoo Public Library, Local History Collection
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