Innovating Home:
Creative Solutions to Homelessness in Kalamazoo County
Room 2016/18, 2nd Floor
Kalamazoo County is facing the urgent challenge of homelessness with innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to reimagining what’s possible. This session will explore creative housing solutions that are not only being envisioned — but actively implemented — in our community.
Presenters:
Anita Johnson: Anita Johnson, Housing Resource Specialist -City of Portage. With over a decade of housing experience, Anita has worked in subsidized housing where she was responsible for compliance for nine affordable housing properties in accordance with HUD regulations. Anita has received several certifications from the National Center for Housing Management over the years. Anita transitioned to the City of Portage in early 2024 and works directly with developers, engineers and community partners to facilitate affordable and infill housing opportunities in the City of Portage. In addition to creating housing opportunities, she is responsible for developing policies and procedures for the Portage Community Land Trust which will ensure affordability of homes in perpetuity. Anita serves as the Vice Chair of the MI Community Land Trust Coalition. The group works to network with CLT’s throughout Michigan and advocates directly to MSHDA and the State of Michigan for the importance of the CLT movement and how they can support the group’s efforts.
Tobi Hanna-Davies: Tobi Hanna-Davies has been co-chair of the ISAAC Housing Task Force almost every year since it began in 2003, in collaboration with inspiring leaders such as Stephanie Hoffman, Patrese Griffin, Cathy Phason and Dr. Charlae Davis. She is very grateful that she has been able to work on the campaign for the countywide “Homes for ALL” millage, on the fundraising team for the Tiny Houses of H.O.P.E., as a homeowner doing “Home Sharing” four times, and with other ISAAC advocates for the City to enforce the Housing Equity Ordinance. She first learned about housing strategies as an Ann Arbor City Council Member (1992-2000), and now serves on the CoC Board, the AntiRacism Team of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and the ISAAC Executive Committee.
Cathryn Phason
Willa DiTaranto:
