What’s Happening with the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition (KCCC)?

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Last spring the Federal Government cancelled an $18.9 million grant to KCCC in partnership with the County, for rehabbing and energy efficiency retrofitting 300 homes in the older parts of Kalamazoo. The project also included training workers in the necessary trade skills, and creating four “Resilience Hubs” for relief and support of individuals during extreme weather and other emergencies.. KCCC had already rented office space, hired staff, formed partnerships with several non-profits and neighborhood associations, and begun to implement its program. 

After taking stock and regrouping, the staff, board, and coordinating committee have gained new life and commitment to the mission. Since August, nearly 50% of KCCCs funding has been procured from foundations, the state, and individual donors (including a generous contribution from a special offering at People’s Church). The funding will give KCCC a substantial opportunity to establish long term sustainability, and enough to provide housing upgrades for local family homes each year. While short of the 300 homes initially proposed, the plan is to demonstrate the viability of the program, and to continue fundraising.

At the present time, KCCC is starting work on the first local family home in partnership with Community Homeworks.  This will provide safety and warmth to a family whose children often stay elsewhere because of the level of disrepair and cold in their home.  75 indoor air purifiers were distributed this fall helping reduce indoor air pollutants for local families. Two of the staff have received certification in energy auditing and will be able to develop specific plans to effectively improve the energy efficiency of homes in the core neighborhood homes. Other staff are providing outreach to neighborhoods and homeowners, and serving as an ambassador for a state initiative to support  tax exempt orgs that are interested in solar and electric vehicle investments 

The bottom line is five-fold:

  • reduce utility costs for homeowners;
  • improve air quality, both interior and exterior;
  • reduce carbon emissions;
  • train individuals for good jobs in the workforce; and  
  • provide a better quality of life for families