Comstock Charter Township is partnering with the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission to provide showers and laundry to residents in need.

The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission’s outreach trailer will be coming to Comstock Charter Township on July 10, 2023.

The trailer will be housed at 5852 King Highway, Kalamazoo, MI,

The trailer offers two stalls for hot showers and a mobile washer /dry unit for clothes. Thanks to generous donations from the community, the trailer offers personal hygiene products and laundry care. Staff from the Mission will be on site and can provide referrals to unsheltered residents.

“The well-being of all of Comstock’s residents is of the upmost importance to us and we understand that some folks aren’t easily able to find a place to shower or clean their clothes,” said Township Supervisor Randy Thompson, “We deeply appreciate the work the Mission has been doing and we’re grateful to make some of their services more accessible for our residents.”

The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission began using their outreach trailer since June of 2022 and began offering shower and laundry services to residents across the City of Kalamazoo. Comstock is the first local township to partner with the Mission has partnered with. The outreach in Comstock will begin on July 10, offering showers as weather permits.

“For those living in encampments in surrounding townships, it is often difficult to find a place to shower or do laundry,” says John Simpson, Chief Operations Officer, at Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries. “By offering a hot shower and building relationships with folks experiencing homelessness, we hope to connect them with additional services. Whether that’s a temporary or long-term shelter, referrals, or simply letting them know that someone cares, the message we want to convey is that we understand and we are here to help.”

Since 1933, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries has provided meals, shelter, clothing, education, and job skills training for men, women, and single parents with children. With the newly opened Women’s shelter in March of 2022, KGM has seen a dramatic rise in those seeking shelter. The ministry accommodates anyone in need of emergency shelter, providing services for a fresh start.