Who We Are
The nationwide CoC concept grew from a push by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the 1990s for communities to streamline funding requests and coordinate services. In January 2020, leadership of the Kalamazoo County CoC transitioned from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). During 2020, the Continuum of Care Board of Directors became a subcommittee of the UWBCKR Board, which oversee CoC's activities. In 2022, UWBCKR merged with Capital Area and Jackson to become the United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI).
What We Do
We partner with our members to increase coordination and find solutions to the gaps, inequities, and challenges they experience when working to reduce homelessness.
We measure and analyze data to ensure accountability throughout the system of services for those experiencing homelessness.
We write, maintain, and monitor a community-developed, countywide, 10-year Plan to End Homelessness as mandated by HUD.
We administer state and federal funding streams that mandate the use of the CoC structure.
Annual Reports
Annual Meetings
Continuum of Care Team
Patrese Griffin
CoC Director
Carrie Bosch
HMIS Administrator
Tanya Wilson
CoC Associate
Lily Fossel
COC Grants Manager
Continuum of Care Local Advisory Board
Kelly Doyle - CARES(co-chair)
Tracy Hall - OutFront (co-chair)
Michelle Davis – HRI
Catrinka Johnson – Ministry with Community
Jessica Glynn – YWCA
Stephanie Hoffman – Evolution Housing
Laura Lam – City of Kalamazoo
Willa DiTaranto – Kalamazoo County
Jen Strebs – Kalamazoo County Commission
Don Jones – Community member
Toni Newel – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Kalamazoo
Don Roberts – Legal Aide of SW Michigan
Robin Greymountain – McKinney Vento Liaison
Tiffany Cunningham – Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Zac Bauer – Local Initiatives Support Corporation
John Simpson – Kalamazoo Gospel Mission