Find alternatives to calling the Kalamazoo Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
- Offers 90-day short-term emergency overnight shelter and services to men, women, and children who find themselves in need of help. Separate residences for men and women, children are allowed. Request that residents bring ID. Phone intake hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., assistance can be given by phone 24/7. Shelter only available from 6 p.m. until morning – does not offer day shelter. Does provide daily meals at 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- 448 N. Burdick
- (269) 345-2974
- https://www.kzoogospel.org/get-help
- *Resource stated that they will call police for issues that arise on campus as needed
LGBTQ+
Coming soon.
Mental Health
- Helpline
- 24/7 crisis talkline for people experiencing mental health difficulties or crisis. Would call police if requested, or if mandated reporter requirements are triggered (immediate risk of harm to self or others.)
- (269) 381-HELP (4357) (24/7)
- https://gryphon.org/i-need-help/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- YWCA Kalamazoo
- Emergency shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. Provides free, safe shelter for up to five weeks for victims of domestic violence (intimate partner violence) and their dependent children. Any survivors of domestic violence who identify as women are eligible to stay on-site at Emergency Shelter. Food, personal needs items, clothing, and emergency transportation are provided to Emergency Shelter residents. Through hotline, access crisis shelter, therapeutic services, and referrals to outside providers. Hotline is open to all genders. Can also provide access to free/low cost legal services. Shelter only available to Kalamazoo County residents.
- 353 E. Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007
- (269) 385-3587 (24/7 Crisis Hotline)
- https://www.ywcakalamazoo.org/what-we-do/caring-for-victims-of-abuse/services-for-survivors-victims-of-abuse
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- The Ark Shelter
- Provides a variety of services to runaway and homeless youth age 10-17 in crisis as well as their families. Services are provided at the shelter, in the home, and in communities across southwest Michigan and are tailored to meet the needs of each youth and family. Youth stay for up to 21 days and will receive individual case management, individual counseling, medical care, and family therapy sessions, as well as two daily group sessions. Seek parental consent for services, if cannot reach parents or guardian will reach out to CPS. All genders welcome.
- 990 W Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
- (269) 381-9800 x 3 (24/7)
- https://ccdok.org/the-ark-shelter/
- *Please note this resource is Catholic-affiliated
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Kalamazoo Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.