When Open Doors launched the Residence Community for Working People with a home for men on Ranney Street, an anonymous donor contacted Open Doors and offered to purchase a home for women.
In June 2004 Open Doors purchased a beautiful 4-bedroom home on South Westnedge Park through the generosity of this donor.That summer, local churches prepared and furnished the home for the use of four women who needed places to live. In recent years, the City of Kalamazoo provided funds through a Community Development Block Grant for exterior repairs and for painting the exterior of the building.
The residents have invited the Open Doors staff to a Christmas party at this home for the past several years. In summer, a beautiful shade garden offers a delightful oasis in front of the home. The home faces South Westnedge Park which used to be called Pioneer Park. This park is an example of the “oak openings” or “oak savannahs” that used to exist in many places in Kalamazoo County.
ABOUT OPEN DOORS KALAMAZOO
At Open Doors Kalamazoo we partner with low-wage working men and women to empower them to support themselves and their families and overcome or avoid homelessness. Through housing, partnerships, and advocacy, Open Doors Kalamazoo has been helping individuals and families overcome homelessness since 1970. We seek to provide solutions to the housing crisis faced by low-wage working families in our community. As families are strengthened, so is our community. Learn more at www.opendoorskalamazoo.org
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