A brief and condensed history
2005
During 2005, a small group of students at Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College came together to explore the possibilities of cooperative living in Kalamazoo. Recognizing that there were no opportunities for cooperative group housing, they learned about what it would take to start a new organization to fill this void. With the help of North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO), they developed a loose plan for opening a small cooperative and began looking for others to join them.
2006
During the summer, KCH received a generous grant from Youth Venture to fund start-up costs for the organization.
In August 2006, Meristem Cooperative was born. Meristem (at 113 W. Dutton) began with 10 young adults and a strong commitment to sustainable living. These members worked diligently to develop systems and policies from scratch, work through conflict, and build the foundation for a sustainable organization. Meristem is currently leased from a private owner. KCH hopes to purchase a permanent home for Meristem in future.
2007
After months of successfully 'living in cooperation,' members took the organization to the next level. While recruiting new members to replace outgoing residents, they received significant media coverage about the project. They incorporated as Kalamazoo Collective Housing (KCH) and applied for a Development Grant from NASCO Properties, an arm of NASCO that purchases property for the expansion of co-op systems around the country. KCH received the grant of $50,000 and technical and legal assistance for a new purchase. Fletcher Collective (at 302 W. Walnut) was purchased in May and renovated to comfortably host 10 members. KCH leases the property at-cost from NASCO Properties and sends a representative to the NASCO Properties Board of Directors. NASCO Properties provides logistical and maintenance support.
The Future
Over the coming years, KCH will work to purchase new properties as opportunities arise. The organization envisions 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.