The city and partners from the Greater Battle Creek Homeless Coalition are seeking to support homeless residents who may be affected by MDOT’s cleanup of the M-66 and I-194 corridor.
Michigan Department of Transportation work already has begun to collect trash and trim and/or remove trees along the corridor, with the goals of improving safety and vision, extending structure and pavement life, and improving aesthetics.
The work is focused along the corridor from near Fountain Street to the north, to just south of Columbia Avenue, as well as under the bridges over Fountain, Dickman Road, and the old railroad bed.
The city is aware that homeless residents often live in camps in these areas and staff is working with The Haven of Rest Ministries and Summit Pointe Housing to alert them to MDOT’s cleanup activities. Staff have created posters and flyers to urge that people move out of the cleanup area by Monday, Feb. 27.
Homeless support and assistance is available at:
- The Haven
24 hours a day/7 days a week
Shelter check-in after 4 p.m.
Parking and entry at 148 E. Michigan Ave. / 269-965-1148
- Summit Pointe Housing
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
120 Grove St. (inside the Share Center) / 269-966-1538
- Share Center
7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday (winter hours)
120 Grove St. / 269-964-8133
For those in the community interested in donating to these homeless residents, please do so to The Haven, and identify the donation as for those moving from the camps. The biggest needs are blankets, tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, toilet paper, tarps, and jugs of water.
The Haven accepts donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.