Northside Neighborhood: Kalamazoo, MI

The Northside neighborhood in Kalamazoo is an urban area with about 6,000 residents. Our close proximity to downtown Kalamazoo provides easy access to arts and entertainment, retail shops, financial institutions and transportation hubs. Residents in our neighborhood have access to a broad range of resources and opportunities: we often come together for large local celebrations and special events; there are a number of well utilized parks in the area; we have some successful human service agencies; and there are a range of local schools and faith based communities. Some of the challenges include a lack of quality and affordable housing, high unemployment, interracial conflicts and a lack of coordinated services among existing nonprofits in the area.

The Northside Communities for All Ages coalition has recently been formed in an effort to create a better, more cohesive environment for residents of all ages. Even in this early phase of our development, the coalition has already begun to strengthen existing partnerships, build new alliances and welcome young people and older adults onto our engagement team. Our strategies include both individual one-on one discussion with residents and a community wide “social capital” survey to examine levels of trust engagement and connection that residents have with their personal networks, organizations and institutions in the community.