Contact Us
Email: board@kzoocoop.org
Kalamazoo Collective Housing
302 W. Walnut St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
What We Do
Kalamazoo Collective Housing provides nonprofit, sustainable housing; empowers people to create democratic cooperatives; and strengthens our community through shared resources and education.
We envision a strong and diverse network of cooperative housing throughout Kalamazoo that addresses the needs of low-income residents, supports the local community, and exemplifies sustainable living. Kalamazoo Collective Housing will take an active role in continually expanding cooperative housing opportunities in the city.
We currently operate two houses in Kalamazoo's Vine Neighborhood.
Our Values
- Voluntary & Open Membership. KCH is a voluntary organization; open to all persons able to use our services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, sexual, or religious discrimination. We broaden our perspective and eliminate prejudices by living together, and help change society by setting an example of respect and acceptance.
- Democratic Member Participation. KCH is a democratic organization controlled by its members, who actively participate in setting our policies and making decisions. People serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. KCH members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote). Participation in work and the social life of the co-ops is critical to our success. It reinforces the sense of community that makes a co-op last, even as individual members come and go. For a community to succeed, participation must lead to empowerment – members exercising control over decision-making and the everyday operations of the co-op.
- Independence & Self Reliance. KCH is an autonomous organization controlled by its members. If we enter into agreements with other entities or raise capital from external sources, we do so on terms that ensure democratic control and maintain our cooperative autonomy. We attempt to be a self-reliant organization and to enable our members to be self-reliant individuals. Whenever possible, we use our own resources to solve problems before we look for outside help.
- Education, Training, & Information. KCH provides education and training for our members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of our cooperatives and grow as leaders. We educate the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
- Sustainability. KCH strives to act as a model of sustainable housing by using resources efficiently and wisely, reducing or eliminating as much waste as possible, taking steps toward self-sufficiency, and contributing to our community by supporting local business and agriculture. We pledge to continuously look for ways to build sustainable communities and lead by example. As our co-ops benefit both current and future members, it is our job to be careful stewards of our assets so that KCH will be here for many members to come.
- Cooperation among Cooperatives. KCH operates most effectively and strengthens the cooperative movement by working collaboratively through local, national, and international networks of cooperatives.
- Concern for Community. KCH works toward the sustainable and just development of Kalamazoo communities. We aim to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods that we are a part of.
- Individual Responsibility. There is value in individual contribution. As individuals, we have both the right and the responsibility to contribute to the best of our ability. KCH believes that anyone is capable of sound decisions and actions, given access to resources and information and the power to utilize them. Without the effort of individuals, there can be no group effort.
Education Fund
In an effort to support the education and training of members, the KCH Board of Directors has established an Education Fund. Members may request money for personal learning opportunities that further the mission of KCH. Our Education Fund is supported by Bread for the Journey and local fundraising.
More About Us
Our Partners
We are a proud member of North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO)