Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition

𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐎𝐎 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒
In preparation for a potential heat event on Wednesday, June 10, the City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management has been coordinating with local community partners to identify cooling centers that will be available should the forecasted heat index exceed 100 degrees.

If extreme heat conditions develop as currently forecasted, residents and visitors seeking relief from the heat are encouraged to utilize the following cooling shelters or centers during their operating hours:

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Ministry with Community
500 N. Edwards St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults only. No pets permitted. Individuals seeking overnight shelter should contact Ministry with Community between 6:30 AM and 4 PM. There is no identification or residency requirement for cooling shelter use.

Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. A valid state-issued ID or Kalamazoo County identification showing residency within the Kalamazoo metropolitan area is required for shelter utilization. For additional information, call (269) 345-2974.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
No identification or residency requirements for cooling center use. Guests may remain and transition directly into dinner service.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Central Library
315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch
1244 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Eastwood Branch
1112 Gayle Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Alma Powell Branch
308 W. North St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch
7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army Kalamazoo
1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Service animals permitted; no other pets allowed.

Greater Open Door Church
416 Phelps Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Future availability will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Portage Zhang Senior Center
203 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002
Open 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Service animals permitted; no other pets allowed.

Comstock Community Center
6330 King Hwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
May close during severe weather if staff safety becomes a concern.

𝐇𝐘𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒
If the heat index reaches 100 degrees on Wednesday, the City of Kalamazoo will open several designated fire hydrants to help provide relief from the extreme heat. The locations of these hydrants will be announced tomorrow if the forecast remains unchanged. For safety reasons, residents should never attempt to open a fire hydrant themselves. Unauthorized use can negatively impact water pressure throughout the area, potentially compromising firefighting operations and public safety in the event of a fire emergency.

𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒
Public hydration stations are also available at MLK Park, Bronson Park, and Southside Park.

When temperatures and humidity are high, remember to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity, wear lightweight clothing, and check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness.

City Emergency Management will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as additional forecast information becomes available. Please follow Kalamazoo City Emergency Management for further updates.

Taylor Van Winkle, Climate Sustainability Manager for Kalamazoo County, joined the County in June, 2023 to help lead the development of the Kalamazoo County Climate Action and Justice Plan. This presentation highlights how community input, scientific research, and technical expertise shaped the Plan's goals and actions, while also sharing early implementation efforts and ongoing sustainability projects across the County.

https://youtu.be/MLhZklV5pNo

Yesterday, the KCCC team had the opportunity to attend the Building Resilience Together Retreat at the beautiful Fetzer Institute. It was an inspiring day centered on reflection, connection, and renewal alongside others who are equally committed to caring for our communities and our planet.

We’re incredibly grateful for the space to pause, recharge, and deepen our commitment to building a more sustainable, resilient, and connected future for Kalamazoo.

Take a look at some of the beautiful moments captured throughout the day below!

Today at noon, join us!

Join us virtually Friday, June 5th 2026
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84982011078

We’re excited to welcome our UofM Fellows Kassidy, Suzanna and UofM Intern Paarth to the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition!

We are excited to have these talented and passionate individuals joining our team. Each of them brings unique experiences, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing climate action and environmental justice in our community.

Throughout their time with us, they will gain hands-on experience, work on meaningful projects, engage with community partners, and contribute to efforts that help build a more sustainable and resilient future for Kalamazoo.

Welcome to the team we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together!

Did you know? Climate action starts at home!

This photo shows a local home with no insulation in their basement a common issue that can lead to higher utility bills, uncomfortable living conditions, and unnecessary energy waste.

In this week's KCCC newsletter, Executive Director Jenny Doezema shares how our Climate Ready Homes Program is helping family's lower energy costs, improve home comfort, and reduce carbon emissions. Many of the households we work with face utility bills of $500–$800 per month due to aging equipment, poor insulation, and deferred home repairs.

Read more: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=24d28e1fffa476062e7fa8690&id=518959cb7

Our Bills Are Too Damn High! Block Party

June 3 from 7–8:30 PM at NACD (612 N. Park St., Kalamazoo) for a free community event and learn about ways to take action on rising energy bills.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors we're coming together for solutions and community power!

Our Bills Are Too Damn High! Kalamazoo Block Party · Michigan LCV Are your bills just too damn high? Everything is getting so expensive and more and more Kalamazoo families are unable to afford basic necessities like food, electricity, health care and more. What can be done about it? Local leaders will be joining us to discuss what we can do moving forward.

What does climate resilience mean for Kalamazoo County?

The draft Climate Action & Climate Justice Plan examines issues such as:
• Flooding and extreme weather
• Infrastructure resilience
• Public health impacts
• Community vulnerabilities
• Long-term planning and preparedness

The County is currently seeking public feedback on the draft plan during the 60-day comment period.

Through community education and our Climate Ready Homes Program, we’re helping Kalamazoo families lower energy bills, improve home comfort, and reduce emissions.