KALAMAZOO, MI — The arrival of housing pods for Kalamazoo’s homeless population is delayed due to nationwide supply chain issues.
The pods — small modular shelter homes — were expected to arrive before the end of 2021, but are now expected in early January, project organizer Housing Resources Inc. said on its website.
The delay is “due to freight challenges that contributed to a delay of the manufacturing process,” HRI Executive Director Michelle Davis said. “We look forward to the first delivery in the next few weeks with full delivery spread over two months.”
HRI plans to house upward of 66 people in “A Kzoo Pod Community – A Place of Dignity” at a potential site in the city’s Edison neighborhood.
Related: 50 housing ‘pods,’ with $1M price tag, will offer shelter for homeless people in Kalamazoo
The property, located at 322 E. Stockbridge Ave., was acquired by the city for the price of $2 million on Sept. 24, 2021, according to county property records. It features a large 72,000 sq. ft. structure that was previously home to the Michigan Department of Human Services. HRI officials previously said the site would include additional bathrooms, private showers and a common space for residents to hang out.
HRI is currently “in the process of completing due diligence including an assessment of needed site improvements and a lease agreement before the site location is finalized,” the website reads.
As for when residents might get the keys to their new home, HRI said a phased approach to open the project will assure residents’ basic needs for health and safety are met.
“The first supply of pods are scheduled for delivery in January with manufacturing and delivery highly dependent on the current supply chain and shipping delays,” the website reads. “A site must also be secured first, and any site improvement be completed.”
HRI plans to announce a volunteer project to help assemble the pods next month, the organization said. Those interested in helping should call HRI at 269-382-0287 to get their name on volunteer list.
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