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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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.…
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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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