Patrese Griffin, a champion of fair housing concerns in the Kalamazoo area, has been named Director of the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care.

“The CoC and and United Way of South Central Michigan are thrilled to welcome Patrese to the team,” said Alyssa Stewart, UWSCMI Chief Impact Officer.

Griffin brings a passion for housing advocacy and experience in property management and real estate into her new role. She recently served on the Kalamazoo City Commission as the Vice Mayor and led the development and passage of an improved Fair Housing/Anti-Discrimination Ordinance in 2020.

“I am excited for my new assignment as Director and thrilled to be working with such a passionate, knowledgeable team,” she said. “I look forward to playing a part in increasing the impact the Continuum of Care has on Kalamazoo County.”

In addition, the CoC announced that Tiyanna Williams was promoted to Associate Director.

Both Griffin and Williams are based at UWSCMI’s Kalamazoo office, working alongside CoC team members Carrie Bosch, HMIS Systems Administrator; and Pamela Dickinson, RentAble Program Associate. The team will continue to coordinate local efforts and government funding to promote the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care’s vision for a county where everyone has equitable access to safe, affordable, dignified housing.

“We are proud of the significant work done by the Continuum of Care team and partners across the past few years, and yet we know there is critical work to do,” Stewart said. “We are confident that our CoC team, partners and community as a whole will rise to that challenge.”

WATCH: Learn more about Patrese’s experience and perspective in her own words.

The Continuum of Care recently released its annual report and finalized a three-year strategic plan. Find both at www.changethestory.org/continuum-of-care.