Contractors help repair low-income apartments in Kalamazoo

Following up on the article that I wrote for Open Door Next Door in PRI's June Newsletter, Rick's organization is continuing their good work in the community. From the Kalamazoo Gazette:

Open Door and Next Door Shelters has expanded its capacity for permanent low-income housing and did so with the help of local contractors who donated their time and resources.


The new 19-unit apartment building at 738 Academy St. was in need of renovation, so HomeAid Michigan put the organization in touch with Van Dam & Krusinga Building, Vandermay Construction Co. and Esper Electric.

“The cost was half what it would have cost us without their help,” said Rick Stravers, executive director of Open Door and Next Door Shelters.

They bought the brick building, built in 1930, with the help of an anonymous donor. Stravers said it was in fairly good shape, but needed some repairs and improvements such as masonry work, new carpeting and an electric-lock system so residents can buzz in guests.

Stravers said they have already found occupants for every unit in the building. The housing is for low-income individuals who have gone through the shelter program and have found employment but are still unable to pay for conventional housing.

The organization also provides temporary housing and counseling for people in need.
“One thing I really like about our program is that our people have the dignity and self-respect of knowing they did their part,” Stravers said. “It’s a partnership, made possible by community support.”

Read more at http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/09/contractors_help_repair_low-in.html