Getting close to the work of United Way and our partners is eye-opening.

Guest blog by Jeremy Hermann

Basic needs. It’s something that I’ve heard a lot of nonprofits talk about when discussing homelessness. We’ve seen it on posters, flyers and United Way brochures.

For individuals experiencing homelessness in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek region, the challenges they face encompass access to those basic needs: food, water, shelter and clothing. If you haven’t been following the news, right now there is an ongoing debate about those very needs involving housing solutions for the homeless in Kalamazoo. There should be. It’s important. In February of this year, MLive reported the estimated homeless population in Kalamazoo County could be as high as 5,000.

Two weeks ago, my United Way co-workers and I had the privilege to serve lunch to those in need at Ministry with Community. Melrose Hensley is the Kitchen Manager there. The kitchen is the ship and he is its captain. In the past, Melrose has benefited from the United Way and its services, and his appreciation shows. As soon as we stepped through those doors he welcomed us with a smile and asked, “All of you are United Way?” We nodded. His smile grew bigger and he said, “Today’s gonna be a good day!”

Melrose radiated positivity. His instructions and actions had a rhythm, and it made our job as volunteers easier, and fun. As soon as the doors to the kitchen opened, people took to the tables with hands raised. This is the system: a hand goes up and a tray of food is given. This is balanced with keeping areas tidy, refilling drinks at tables, and the constant movement of people coming in and out for meals.

United Way has dedicated its time and funds to making sure organizations like Ministry with Community are paired with the opportunities and partnerships they need. Check out our 2018 data report. The numbers speak for themselves.

After the dust settled and the shift slowed down, Melrose took time to sit and eat with some of the people in the cafeteria. He laughed and joked with a few of them, asking them about their day, their friends and families. He knows them. It’s because he’s been there. On my way out, I looked around Ministry with Community and saw faces that I recognized, too—faces I’ve seen before in our Kalamazoo community.

It would be easy to categorize these people as the “homeless population,” but the reality is, they are part of the greater population of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. They are my neighbors and fellow residents. An ideal community – like a house – cannot be successfully built by one person alone. Sometimes you need a little help from your neighbors to raise the roof.

Jeremy Hermann is a campaign liaison with United Way BCKR.

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There are lots of ways to help our neighbors. United Way can help you find one that’s meaningful for you.