Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative - The Affordable Housing Conundrum: New Partners & Creative Solutions

Updated 36 minutes ago

Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative panel of progressive, non-traditional Southwest Michigan housing leaders and local journalists who cover housing, moderated by Gordon Evans, WMUK’s director of content operations. The forum focused on the affordable housing conundrum, answering questions about what we can do next to solve the housing affordability crisis, and was held at the Kalamazoo Public Library, February 5th, 2026. Panelists: Gwendolyn Hooker Shanay Settles Brad Devereaux Al Jones Alek Haak-Frost Jordyn Hermani

Chapters

Introduction and Welcome (00:00:08)
The event begins with a greeting from the host on a cold, snowy evening.

The host welcomes everyone to the event, acknowledging the cold and snowy weather outside, and thanks attendees for being present. The host also expresses gratitude to the panelists and moderator for their participation.
Event Details and Logging In (00:00:11)
Attendees are informed about the event's focus and encouraged to sign in.

The host provides details about the event, specifically mentioning that it focuses on the affordable housing conundrum. Attendees are encouraged to sign in with the provided sheet to stay updated on the Journalism Collaborative's initiatives.
Introduction to the Journalism Collaborative (00:00:39)
Sarah Lee introduces the Journalism Collaborative and its mission.

Sarah Lee, the co-founder of the Journalism Collaborative, introduces the organization. She explains that the collaborative aims to support and enhance the news and information ecosystem in Southwest Michigan, focusing on accurate and equitable coverage and promoting diversity of voices.
Collaborative's Efforts and Community Engagement (00:01:02)
The collaborative's efforts in reporting and community engagement are highlighted.

Sarah Lee discusses the Journalism Collaborative's activities, including collaborating on reporting projects and engaging with the community through events like this. She emphasizes the collaborative's role in fostering a diverse media landscape.
Introduction of the Panel and Moderator (00:02:02)
Sarah Lee introduces the panel moderator, Gordon Evans, and the panelists.

Sarah Lee introduces Gordon Evans from WMU K as the moderator of the panel. She also acknowledges the presence of the panelists who will be sharing their insights on the affordable housing issue.
Panel Discussion Begins (00:02:14)
Gordon Evans initiates the panel discussion, focusing on affordable housing.

Gordon Evans begins the panel discussion by addressing the audience and setting the stage for the conversation about affordable housing. He mentions the complexity of the topic and the focus on exploring potential solutions.
Panelist Introductions (00:02:28)
Each panelist is introduced, highlighting their expertise and contributions.

Gordon Evans introduces each of the panelists, providing a brief overview of their backgrounds and expertise. This includes Alec H. Frost, Gwendolyn ******, Jordan Hermany, Al Jones, Janae Settles, Brad Devereaux, and Sister Patsy Moore.
Panelist Insights on Affordable Housing (00:02:33)
Panelists share surprising findings and hopeful aspects of affordable housing issues.

Panelists discuss their findings related to affordable housing, sharing surprising insights and hopeful aspects. Alec Frost highlights the disparity in affordable housing definitions. Jordan Hermany notes the changing tone of the conversation around affordable housing.
Community Involvement and Solutions (00:03:53)
Panelists discuss community involvement and the need for systemic change in housing.

The discussion shifts to the importance of community involvement in addressing housing issues. Panelists emphasize the need for systemic change and the role of local initiatives in creating solutions for affordable and attainable housing.
Questions and Answers Session (00:04:32)
The panel opens the floor to questions from the audience, fostering engagement.

The moderator invites the audience to participate by asking questions, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights between the panelists and the attendees. This session provides an opportunity for deeper exploration of the topics discussed.
Discussion on Global Creativity (00:29:03)
The conversation touches on creative ideas emerging globally, including places like Borneo and Scandinavia, and hopes for continued innovation.

The segment begins with a discussion about creative ideas happening in various places around the world, including Borneo and Scandinavia. The speaker expresses hope that these creative ideas will continue to flourish. The conversation is light-hearted with a humorous acknowledgment that the speaker might not have directly answered the question posed.
Challenges of Rural Housing (00:29:25)
Alec discusses the unique challenges of housing in rural areas like St. Joseph County, including misconceptions and economic factors.

Alec addresses the differences in housing challenges faced in rural areas such as St. Joseph County compared to urban centers. He highlights common misconceptions about rural housing and notes the economic difficulties, such as lower wages and rents that impact the feasibility of housing projects. Alec emphasizes the importance of community-focused developers who prioritize development over profit.
Impact of Wages and Housing Costs (00:30:05)
The discussion highlights the impact of stagnant wages and rising housing costs, with personal anecdotes illustrating the challenges faced by homeowners.

The conversation shifts to the broader economic context affecting housing, where stagnant wages are contrasted with rising housing costs. Personal stories are shared, depicting the struggles of purchasing and maintaining affordable housing in areas like Three Rivers and Kalamazoo. The segment underscores the systemic issues within housing markets, emphasizing the need for community-driven solutions and the role of nonprofits.
Housing Market Dynamics Post-Pandemic (00:31:08)
A discussion on the post-pandemic housing market, highlighting the challenges of first-time homebuyers and the influence of investors.

The segment explores the housing market dynamics following the pandemic, with a focus on the difficulties faced by first-time homebuyers. The panel discusses the prevalence of cash offers and the impact of investors looking to flip properties, which exacerbates the housing shortage. The challenges of aging housing stock in Michigan and the interconnected nature of housing issues across different regions are also discussed.
Community Collaboration for Housing Solutions (00:33:00)
Shana discusses the importance of community collaboration in addressing housing shortages and pooling resources for effective solutions.

Shana emphasizes the need for community collaboration to effectively address housing shortages. She explains how different organizations in Battle Creek work together to pool resources and avoid competing for the same limited funding. By focusing on specific areas like Washington Heights, the collaborative aims to maximize the impact of their efforts on housing development and education for first-time homeowners.
Affordable Housing Strategies (00:37:01)
Brad and other panelists discuss strategies for improving housing affordability in areas like Kalamazoo, including zoning changes and developer incentives.

The panel discusses various strategies being implemented to tackle housing affordability issues in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. They highlight the role of zoning changes, government incentives, and the importance of developers willing to prioritize community development over profit. The challenges of balancing profit with affordable housing needs are also explored, emphasizing the need for government and philanthropic support.
Innovative Housing Projects and Challenges (00:41:00)
Gwendolyn shares insights into innovative housing projects like tiny houses and the challenges faced in securing funding and community support.

Gwendolyn discusses innovative housing solutions, such as tiny houses designed for specific populations like those recovering from substance use disorders. She shares the challenges of securing funding and community support for these projects, especially when targeting populations that are often overlooked. The importance of strong partnerships with local government and community organizations is emphasized as key to overcoming barriers and successfully implementing these projects.
Economic Realities of Housing Development (00:45:08)
Panelists discuss the financial challenges of housing development, including the need for subsidies and the economics of building affordable housing.

The discussion focuses on the economic realities and challenges of housing development, highlighting the difficulty of building affordable housing without substantial subsidies. The panelists explain the financial constraints faced by developers and the necessity for government and philanthropic support to make projects viable. The segment underscores the systemic financial barriers to constructing affordable housing in both urban and rural areas.
Creative Approaches to Affordable Housing (00:50:53)
Gwendolyn emphasizes creative solutions like tiny houses and smaller homes as viable options for addressing affordable housing needs.

Gwendolyn advocates for creative approaches to affordable housing, such as constructing tiny houses and smaller homes that meet the actual needs of the population. She argues that these solutions can be both cost-effective and sustainable. By focusing on smaller, energy-efficient units, communities can provide adequate housing for single individuals and small families, addressing a significant portion of the housing shortage.
Senior Living and Community Projects (00:52:02)
Sister Moore discusses the development of senior living projects and the importance of community partnerships in their success.

Sister Moore shares the journey of developing the Legacy Senior Living project, highlighting the importance of resilience and finding the right partners. She describes the process of overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and emphasizes the significance of partnerships with developers who share the project's vision. The success of the project is attributed to collaborative efforts and a commitment to providing housing for seniors in the community.
Downtown Revitalization Initiatives (00:57:53)
Discussion on efforts to revitalize downtown areas with walkability and placemaking, involving counties and municipalities.

The conversation focuses on the efforts to revitalize downtown areas by promoting walkability and placemaking. It highlights the county's attempts to engage various municipalities in these initiatives. The discussion includes statistics on housing units added in cities like Kalamazoo and Portage, and acknowledges some areas with minimal new development, especially smaller villages.
Debate on Homeless Shelters and Nimbyism (00:59:33)
Insight into the challenges of locating new homeless shelters due to Nimbyism and its impact on community projects.

The segment addresses the challenges faced in establishing new homeless shelters, particularly due to the Nimbyism (Not In My Backyard) sentiment among residents. The discussion reflects on how Nimbyism has derailed past projects and explores current efforts to overcome these obstacles, with specific mention of a pod project and its relocation attempts.
Nimbyism and Community Engagement (01:00:30)
Exploration of Nimbyism's impact on housing projects across the state and the importance of community dialogue.

This section delves into the pervasive nature of Nimbyism across the state, affecting housing projects in cities like Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek. The speakers emphasize the importance of community conversations to address these attitudes and highlight the role of local elections and city council actions in shaping housing policies.
Innovative Solutions to Overcome Nimbyism (01:01:52)
Discussion on creative solutions like YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) and church-led initiatives to address housing challenges.

The conversation shifts to innovative solutions to counteract Nimbyism, including the 'Yes In God's Backyard' movement where churches utilize their land for housing projects. It stresses the need for policy alignment, zoning reforms, and community engagement centered on facts and dignity to foster inclusive development.
Challenges in Rural Housing Development (01:09:29)
Examination of the unique challenges faced by rural communities in housing development and urban sprawl's impact.

This segment explores the difficulties faced by rural areas like Three Rivers and Sturgis in developing housing close to necessary services. It highlights issues like urban sprawl, lack of affordable housing, and the shortage of skilled tradespeople, which hinder efforts to meet local housing needs. The discussion also touches on initiatives to involve students in trade education to address the labor gap.
Future Hopes for Housing and Community Development (01:17:45)
Panelists share visions for housing improvements and community development over the next five years.

The final segment features panelists sharing their hopes for the future, envisioning increased housing availability, job market improvements, and more inclusive community development. They emphasize the importance of suspending stereotypes about the unhoused and fostering collaboration between counties, cities, and townships to create effective housing strategies. The discussion concludes with a call for innovative solutions and genuine commitment to affordable housing initiatives.
Introduction and Media Guide Details (01:26:44)
The speaker introduces the event, mentioning a media guide for contacting media members and thanks the audience.

The presentation begins with the speaker thanking the attendees and introducing the media guide available for contacting media members. The speaker expresses gratitude for the audience's presence and wishes them an enjoyable evening.
Audience Question on Housing Affordability and New Arena (01:26:58)
An audience member asks about the impact of new downtown construction on housing affordability, especially in certain neighborhoods.

An audience member poses a question to the panel regarding their insights on new downtown constructions, such as the Kalamazoo Event Center, and how these may affect housing affordability in nearby neighborhoods like the North side, Stewart, and Douglas areas.
Panel Discussion on Construction and Housing (01:28:47)
A panel member discusses the disconnect between construction projects and housing needs, emphasizing the need for housing for arena workers.

A panelist responds to the question by highlighting the disconnect between the construction of new facilities and the need for adequate housing. They argue that housing should have been built to accommodate the jobs created by the arena, to prevent exacerbating the existing housing crisis.
Information on Economic Stability Grant (01:29:47)
A panelist shares information about an economic stability grant closing soon, encouraging applications due to fewer than expected submissions.

A panelist informs the audience about an economic stability grant offered by the United Way of South Central Michigan, which has received fewer applications than expected. They encourage those with funding needs to apply before the deadline.
Discussion on Housing Types and Needs (01:31:11)
Panelists discuss the need for both houses and apartments, emphasizing the shortage of two-bedroom units for the unhoused.

The discussion shifts to the types of housing needed, with panelists agreeing on the shortage of two-bedroom units, which are crucial for accommodating the unhoused. They also touch on the broader housing and wage crisis.
Audience Input on Housing Solutions (01:32:27)
An audience member from Eugene, Oregon shares resources from St. Vincent DePaul Lane County for housing solutions.

An audience member offers a tip to look up St. Vincent DePaul Lane County for innovative housing solutions. They highlight the community's efforts in providing low-income housing options, such as Conestoga Huts, and suggest these as potential models.
Closing Remarks and Appreciation (01:33:35)
The event concludes with thanks to the audience and panelists, and a reminder to visit the journalism collaborative website for more information.

The session wraps up with the host thanking everyone for attending, including those who braved the weather to be there. They invite the audience to learn more about the collaborative efforts by visiting the Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative's website.

Conversations for Change (3 Episodes)

Updated 36 minutes ago

Local forums and discussions focusing on the Greater Kalamazoo community.