Since 1977, the Ark has provided services such as a shelter for short-term housing, job and housing counseling as well as facilities to do a load of laundry or take a shower. Now, they are looking to expand in order to build affordable homes for young adults.
This fall, Catholic Family Services will begin construction on new facilities for The Ark on Pleasant Avenue — half a mile north from it’s present location on West Kilgore Road.
The three cottages will be completely different from what The Ark has previously offered.
Each cottage will have three studio apartments. Rent is 30 percent of a resident’s income. While renters will need to be between 18 and 24 years old to apply for the apartments, they can live in them as long as they need to.
Executive Director Frances Denny said it is difficult for young adults to apply for subsidized housing because it often is reserved for older people. Without their own housing, Denny said young adults can go from place to place, couch surfing and perpetuating homelessness.
See the full story at:
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/08/the_ark_to_build_apartments_fo.html
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