South Michigan News

State Representative Kathy Schmaltz has voiced her support for a $1 million state grant aimed at helping the Jackson Interfaith Shelter construct a new facility for families experiencing homelessness. Schmaltz, who represents Jackson, made the funding request during the state budget process and testified alongside Steve Castle, CEO of the shelter.

The planned expansion would see a dedicated family shelter built on property already owned by the organization. This would allow families to be housed separately from single adults, creating what supporters describe as a safer and more focused environment for parents and children working toward stability.

“This shelter has been a lifeline in Jackson for half a century,” said Schmaltz. “Now it’s time for us to step up and support their next chapter. Families who are facing tough times need a safe place to land, where they can heal, grow, and get back on their feet. This new facility will make sure children have a safer place to sleep and parents have access to wraparound services that meet their unique needs.”

Currently, both single adults and families share one building at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter. The proposed changes would allow the current facility to focus on serving single adults while increasing bed space available for single women.

“At this point in our history, as we reach our 50-year mark, the need is to make sure there’s a separate designated space for families,” said Castle. “That’s for safety, for targeted care, for the classes we can provide, for a shared kitchen space so we can work on cooking together. There are a host of other things that are going to be a lot better, safer, and more targeted for families in this space.”

Founded in 1974 after an incident in which an individual died due to exposure on Jackson's streets, the shelter has since provided emergency food and housing along with case management services and three meals daily to those in need.

“This project is the next logical step for a shelter that has always risen to meet the needs of our community,” Schmaltz said. “We owe it to these families — many of whom are doing everything they can to overcome hardships — to make sure they have a place to call home while they rebuild their lives.”

Plans also include constructing an overflow outbuilding designed for use during severe weather events so that no residents are left without protection during hazardous conditions. The shelter will maintain partnerships with local groups offering child care around-the-clock as well as job assistance and housing services.

Schmaltz stated she intends to keep advocating for approval of the grant as budget negotiations continue.