Other Resources
All organizations listed are for educational purposes only. Publication of this information does not imply endorsement of these organizations' views and/or policies.
KDC offers clothing, housewares, a food pantry, and support for those who live in the community but are having a hard time making ends meet.
Kalamazoo Liaison – Adrienne Wiltzer (269) 598-5164. They offer free menstrual products for those in need.
Ministry with Community
Personal hygiene products are given out on a daily basis.
Kalamazoo Free Store
A Free Store is a place where all people are welcome and all items are available completely free of charge. The Free Store of Kalamazoo will redistribute clothing and household goods donated to the community for free.
South County Community Services
South County Community Services is dedicated to finding solutions for residents who need direct financial assistance and by linking and partnering with other service providers.
Portage Community Outreach Center
Can connect individuals with help to some of the following needs: food and clothing, evictions and utility shut-offs, personal care items, prescription assistance, transportation, resumes, free legal clinics, WIC, immunizations, vision/hearing test, free tax preparation and more.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry is a practical way to address the basic needs of families and individuals turning to us for help. We currently provide emergency food and personal items. Households in need may acquire food once every 90 days. The amount of food each household receives is based on the number of individuals in the home. Walk-ins are welcome.
Kalamazoo Dream Center
Helping out the homeless and those in need with free clothes, food, household items, etc.
Restored Soles
Restored Soles is a program that seeks to recycle shoes from the Kalamazoo community and distribute them through the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and Deacon's Conference, free of charge, into the hands of those who need them most.
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)
Rental assistance for those impacted by COVID-19
Western Michigan University
The official WMU COVID-19 page. This page includes daily health survey, vaccination incentives, campus resources, COVID-19 dashboard and COVID-19 related policies.
Senior Services Southwest Michigan
Senior Services Southwest Michigan is a private, non-profit that encompasses over 20 services that support the independence and well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers throughout Southwest Michigan.
Drop-in Child Care Center
Free part-time child care for income-eligible people with children ages 6 weeks - five years.
Twenty Hands
Twenty Hands is a Maternal Infant Health Program that serves low-income pregnant women and infants up to age one.
WIC
The WIC program provides: Nutrition education, one-on-one counseling about nutrition, monthly food benefits, support and help with breastfeeding, referrals to health care, immunizations and other programs.
St. Luke's Diaper Bank
Provides free diapers to the Greater Kalamazoo Community. On Tuesdays at Douglass Community Association distribution starts 9 a.m. while supplies last.
College Assistance for Parenting and Education (CAPE)
Federal funding allows CAPE to offer Pell-eligible student parents at WMU reduced child care tuition by paying 50%-100% of the child care tuition at 3 partner child care centers in the community.
YWCA Edison Children's Center
Michigan’s only comprehensive early childhood learning center includes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care and 24-hour drop-in services, guaranteeing a safe environment when the unexpected occurs. Our center offers comprehensive, high-quality early learning ensuring academic readiness in the formative years.
MI Bridge
MI Bridge has expanded its resources so now event more students qualify. MI Bridge allows you to apply for benefits related to healthcare coverage, food assistance, cash assistance, child development and care, state emergency relief and more.
Community Student Connection, Inc.
Community Student Connection, Inc. is a non-profit organization in the Kalamazoo community that is providing support to WMU students during these challenging times. We have a group of volunteers as well as monetary funds, to assist students with everything from moving and transportation, to pay for rent assistance, utilities and textbooks, medical supplies and medical care and many other things.
Portage Community Outreach Center
Can connect individuals with help to some of the following needs: food and clothing, evictions and utility shut-offs, personal care items, prescription assistance, transportation, resumes, free legal clinics, WIC, immunizations, vision/hearing test, free tax preparation and more.
Kalamazoo County DHS
To help the needy find financial aid and assistance. This nation is going through tough times and providing a helping hand can help make the world a better place. Helps with Food Stamp Office, TANF Office, Food Assistance Office, General Cash Assistance Office, General Assistance Office.
Kalamazoo County Action Bureau
To receive help or learn more on other social services offered, call (269) 373-5066 to contact them. Services and assistance are available, depending on funding. The agency may have emergency utility bill assistance, including funds for electric, natural gas, and other deliverable fuels. Other programs administered include and home rehabilitation. Income and other conditions need to be met. Call for more information.
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
A scholarship program that each year helps hundreds of students who live or go to school in Kalamazoo and Van Buren Counties go to college or a trade or technical school after high school.
MI Bridge
MI Bridge has expanded its resources so now even more students qualify. MI Bridge allows you to apply for benefits related to healthcare coverage, food assistance, cash assistance, child development and care, state emergency relief and more.
Loaves and Fishes
Call to set up a time to visit one of their pantries nearest you.
Dorothy L. Hobbs Food Pantry
Guests are served Mondays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at Kalamazoo Deacons Conference.
First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church offers a home-cooked meal every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
A Loaves and Fishes Pantry
Ministry with Community
The following services are offered laundry, showers, phone access, fax machine, copy machine, breakfast ( 8 to 9 a.m.) and lunch (1:30 to 2:30 p.m.).
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
College students in Michigan are now eligible for SNAP if they meet income and other program requirements and are enrolled at least half-time in an occupational program that leads to employment under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the Twenty-First Century Act of 2018.
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
A hot nutritious dinner is offered free of charge every day for any man, woman or child in the community from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Additionally, they offer a food pantry.
Portage United Church of Christ
Wide Open Table at Portage UCC – 2-3 hours, third Saturday each month. Provide a meal and fellowship to the community and those in need.
Douglass Community Association
A Loaves and Fishes Pantry.
Broncos Kitchen
Nonprofit Hunger Relief Charity was established to provide free meals for food-insecure college students living in Kalamazoo.
International Campus Ministry
Free hot lunch on Thursdays for international students from noon to 2 p.m. just outside Kanley and Sangren.
Valley Family Church
Tuesday food pick-up 5:30 - 7 p.m. every week.
Department of Health and Human Services (Food Assistance)
322 E. Stockbridge, Kalamazoo
Goodwill Industries
As a nonprofit organization, our main focus is helping people escape poverty through education and employment so they can reach their full potential. The main programs that are designed to do just that include Forklift Certification, Basic Computer Education, Adult Education (GED), Job Development, The “Why Work” Program, and Workers On Wheels.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry is a practical way to address the basic needs of families and individuals turning to us for help. We currently provide emergency food and personal items. Households in need may acquire food once every 90 days. The amount of food each household receives is based on the number of individuals in the home. Walk-ins are welcome.
Senior Services Southwest Michigan (Meals on Wheels)
The Commodities Supplemental Food Program is run collectively by Senior Services of Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, the Salvation Army, and Area Agency on Aging Region 3A. It offers income-eligible seniors living in Kalamazoo County access to additional groceries once per month.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
WIC is a special nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children. It is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In Kalamazoo County, WIC Services are provided by the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services.
Portage Community Outreach Center
Can connect individuals with help to some of the following needs: food and clothing, evictions and utility shut-offs, personal care items, prescription assistance, transportation, resumes, free legal clinics, WIC, immunizations, vision/hearing test, free tax preparation and more.
Mel Trotter Ministries
They offer the following services: shelters, job readiness, housing, meals, clinical services and legal services.
MI Bridge
MI Bridge has expanded its resources so now event more students qualify. MI Bridge allows you to apply for benefits related to healthcare coverage, food assistance, cash assistance, child development and care, state emergency relief and more.
Westwood Neighborhood Food Pantry
This food pantry is open to residents of the Westwood Neighborhood that are in need of food. Open 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon.
Twelve Baskets Food Pantry
Distribution days are on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the 1st and 3rd Fridays each month from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at our Portage Road location. ID must be presented at each visit. Clients can only shop twice a month but can pick their days.
God's Kitchen
Soup kitchen providing meals for those in need
Portage Community Outreach Center
Can connect individuals to help with some of the following needs: food and clothing, evictions and utility shut-offs, personal care items, prescription assistance, transportation, resumes, free legal clinics, WIC, immunizations, vision/hearing test, free tax preparation and more.
Housing Resources Inc.
Our mission is the assurance of housing for socially or economically vulnerable persons in Kalamazoo County. Our services are designed to stabilize households experiencing homelessness and help those in jeopardy of losing their housing.
Kalamazoo Collective Housing
Offering permanently affordable, democratically controlled rental housing. We are 36 members across seven houses. We operate group cooperatives and single-family apartments. We work with residents who earn low incomes. All of our homes are in Kalamazoo’s Vine Neighborhood, a core urban neighborhood adjacent to downtown Kalamazoo, WMU and Kalamazoo College. Learn more about the benefits of cooperative housing and apply now.
Mel Trotter Ministries
Offering the following services: shelters, job readiness, housing, meals, clinical services and legal services.
Jim Gilmore Jr. Community Healing Center
Programs include: assessment, detox, short-term residential care, family & relationship (co-dependency counseling, and dual-diagnosis treatment.) Services are for both men and women.
Oakland House Shelter
The KCMHSAS Housing Recovery Center (HRC) functions to assist individuals with finding and maintaining safe, accessible, and affordable housing. The HRC provides a broad array of housing-related services focused on individuals with a mental health and/or substance use issue.
The Ark
The Ark provides a variety of services to runaway and homeless youth in crisis as well as their families. Services are provided at the shelter, in the home, and in communities across southwest Michigan and are tailored to meet the needs of each youth and family.
YWCA Domestic Assault
YWCA Kalamazoo is your ally who is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. The longest-serving YWCA association in Michigan, YWCA Kalamazoo provides individuals and families with victim-focused counseling and advocacy services as well as shelter for survivors of violence, transitional housing, and legal services.
Community Homeworks
Do you have a home repair issue that is affecting your safety and wellbeing? We address plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and structural issues for qualified homeowners.
American Red Cross
The Red Cross and its partners can test existing smoke alarms and install up to three free smoke alarms for those that need them.
KNHS
KNHS is a non-profit offering a variety of specialized loan products and financial education services to anyone in the county. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to repair your credit, or a renter trying to save for your first home, KNHS can help
International Campus Ministry
The purpose of this ministry is: “to develop international ‘influencers' for Christ.” We strive to meet our international friends and develop authentic and personal relationships with them, because we care about them. So often, international students can feel isolated and alone and we work to make them feel welcomed, accepted and loved. Through our relationships with them, we share our faith and we hope, over time, they are willing to receive the life changing power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
WMU International Student and Scholar Services
Assists international students in gaining meaningful academic and socio-cultural experiences while studying and living within WMU's campus community and the southwest Michigan community-at-large.
WMU Study Abroad Office
Offering financial aid resources, safety information, tools for incoming international students and more.
Immigration Assistance Project
The mission of the Immigration Assistance Program (IAP) is to provide the indigent immigrant population of the nine counties of the Diocese of Kalamazoo with low-cost, competent legal representation in their immigration matters.
YWCA of Kalamazoo
Counselors/Advocates are available to assist clients in writing Personal Protection Orders, develop safety options, accompany one to court, and provide referrals to other social service agencies. Additionally, they advocate for clients with landlords, employers, police, prosecutors and other agency workers when needed. Counselors also provide legal referrals and supportive information.
Kalamazoo County Bar Association Legal Outreach Clinics
Each month the Kalamazoo County Bar Association sponsors free legal clinics for individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Attorneys will consult with individuals for 20-30 minutes and will provide advice to help solve the problem. In no instance is there any charge for the services of the clinics. Visit www.kalamazoobar.org for schedule and details.
Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan
The Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan (FHC) is a private non-profit organization that was established in 1998 to ensure equal housing opportunities for residents regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, familial status, religion, age or marital status in Southwest Michigan.
Farmworker Legal Services
Farmworker Legal Services (FLS) is a legal aid office with attorneys and other advocates who provide free legal assistance and referrals to migrant and seasonal farmworkers throughout the state of Michigan.
Portage Senior Center
The mission of the Portage Senior Center is to provide, with the help of its members, information and a range of services, activities and volunteer opportunities that promote personal growth, health, friendship and independence for area persons over the age of 55.
S.A.F.E. Place
S.A.F.E. Place provides shelter, court advocacy, referrals and comprehensive counseling programs for victims of domestic violence – women and children who have been physically, verbally, or emotionally abused.
Domestic Violence Coalition
The Domestic Violence Coalition (DVC) provides free services to residents of Van Buren County who have been affected by the crimes of domestic and sexual violence.
Kalamazoo Defender
Provide constitutionally guaranteed representation to citizens charged with a crime who cannot afford an attorney.
Kalamazoo Legal Aid
Free legal services.
Community Dispute Resolution Center - Gryphon Place
Kalamazoo County Bar Association
The Law Library, in partnership with the Kalamazoo County Bar Association, offers free monthly legal clinics at the Central Library, Powell Branch Library, and the Portage Community Center.
Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm providing free legal advice and representation in a broad range of areas including consumer cases, family matters, housing problems, government benefits and much more.
Portage Community Outreach Center
Can connect individuals with help to some of the following needs: food and clothing, evictions and utility shut-offs, personal care items, prescription assistance, transportation, resumes, free legal clinics, WIC, immunizations, vision/hearing test, free tax preparation and more.
Mel Trotter Ministries
Offering the following services: shelters, job readiness, housing, meals, clinical services and legal services.
Lending Hands of Michigan Inc. – Kalamazoo
Lending Hands is a medical equipment loan program and loan closet in Michigan lending home medical equipment for free for up to 7 months in the Michigan counties of Allegan, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo (including Hickory Corners), St. Joseph and Van Buren in Southwest Michigan.Community AIDS Resource and Education Services (CARES)
The mission of CARES is to provide comprehensive sexual wellness services where all participants feel welcome, well-informed, cared for, and loved. We envision a community made up of individuals, regardless of status, position, or background that are empowered to navigate their own sexual health and wellness without shame, stigma or judgement.Kalamazoo Health and Community Services
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Low-cost dental hygiene services provided by students in training.Planned Parenthood
Following services are offered: Abortion, Birth Control, HIB Services, LGBTQ Services, Men's Health Care, Morning - After Pill, STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines, and Women's Health Care.MI Bridge
MI Bridge has expanded its resources so now event more students qualify. MI Bridge allows you to apply for benefits related to healthcare coverage, food assistance, cash assistance, child development and care, state emergency relief and more.Lending Hands of Michigan (Durable Medical Equipment Lending)
Lending Hands is a durable medical equipment loan program where we loan durable medical equipment for free for up to seven months, with the exception of knee scooters, which are on loan for three months. We serve the counties of Allegan, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.Mel Trotter Ministries
They offer the following services: shelters, job readiness, housing, meals, clinical services and legal services.Portage Community Outreach Center
Can connect individuals to help with some of the following needs: food and clothing, evictions and utility shut-offs, personal care items, prescription assistance, transportation, resumes, free legal clinics, WIC, immunizations, vision/hearing test, free tax preparation and more.Lions Club of Kalamazoo
We have eyeglass boxes for used glasses and sunglasses at multiple locations.South County Community Services
South County Community Services is dedicated to finding solutions for residents who are in need of direct financial assistance, as well as by linking and partnering with other service providers.
Waldo Library
May have the book in their reserves.
Kalamazoo Public Library
If the student is a Kalamazoo Resident and has access to the Kalamazoo Public Library they can search for the book via MeLCat at a different institution (if not available at KPL).
Kalamazoo Promise
Promise students can use the borrowing program.
Student Financial Aid
Student Financial Aid Office supports the recruitment, retention and degree completion of a dynamic and culturally diverse student body, in preparation for a lifetime of personal and professional success. The office is located in the Faunce Student Services building and works closely with Bronco Express. We encourage you to visit Bronco Express first to take care of everyday University business; and, if your circumstances require further counseling, an appointment with a Financial Services Specialist in Faunce can be made.
Scholarships
Students can search for quick turnaround scholarships like those offered through ODI which are reviewed on the 5th of every month.
Douglass Community Association
The Powell Branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library located within the DCA, offers Northside residents ready access to books, computers, and year-round programming for families and children.
Community Action
Community Action is providing Educational Assistance for currently enrolled Kalamazoo County residents attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College or Western Michigan University. Educational Assistance offered includes tuition, books and required course materials and/or supplies. Those interested in applying should contact them via phone or email.
El Concillo
A nonprofit, community-focused organization that seeks to help Latino residents support their families and contribute to society.
Portage Community Outreach Center
Bus Tokens: City of Portage Only; Gas Cards: Kalamazoo County
South County Community Services
South County Community Services is dedicated to finding solutions for residents who are in need of direct financial assistance, as well as by linking and partnering with other service providers.
WM Safe Ride
The primary purpose of the WMU Safe Ride program is to provide escorts to persons walking alone to on-campus destinations such as classrooms, buildings, residence halls and parked cars and is concerned about walking alone at night-not just simply for the sake of a free ride.
Metro Share Program
The Metro Share Program is a specialized service providing vehicles to approved agencies serving seniors and individuals with disabilities at no cost. Approved agencies include governmental organizations, non-profits serving seniors and individuals with disabilities, and others approved by Metro.
211
211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to connect you with help of all kinds.
WMU Disability Services for Students
Narcotics Anonymous
Serving the recovery communities of the greater part of the state of Michigan.
Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health
WMU Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services
Battle Creek VA Medical Center
WMU Centers for Counseling and Psychological Services
Gryphon Place – Conflict and Crisis Support
The Alcott Center for Cognitive Enhancement
Portage Community Outreach Center
Can connect individuals to help with some of the following needs: food and clothing, evictions and utility shut-offs, personal care items, prescription assistance, transportation, resumes, free legal clinics, WIC, immunizations, vision/hearing test, free tax preparation and more.