Preventing Eviction Program (PEP)
Preventing Eviction Program – a collaboration between First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Housing Advocates
For many families in Kalamazoo County, losing a home does not begin with a long decline. It begins with one unexpected expense: a large medical bill, a car repair that stands between someone and their job, or a month of lost income after an illness or injury. Without a fast way to cover that bill, rent goes unpaid and an eviction can follow quickly.
That’s why in December 2025 the First Congregational Church launched the Preventing Eviction Program, or PEP, a fast-response fund that pays the unexpected bills that push families toward eviction. The program is a partnership with Kalamazoo Housing Advocates.
The congregation of First Congregational Church funds the program, and KHA connects it with the families who need it most. When one of our Housing Advocates sees that a specific, unexpected expense is putting a client at risk of eviction, we bring the request to the PEP volunteer team at the church. Once approved, payment goes directly toward the expense, whether that is rent, a utility bill, or an essential car repair.
What makes PEP different is that help comes in one step, quickly, and often for the full amount needed. Without it, families often go from agency to agency, collecting $50 to $200 at each stop, and by the time they have enough it may be too late. In Kalamazoo County, more than 1,500 Writs of Eviction are issued in a typical year, and once a writ is posted, a household has only 24 hours to leave.
Since its launch, PEP has helped 22 families stay housed, at an average of about $1,300 per household. The program is entirely volunteer-run, so every dollar goes directly to a family in need. We are grateful to the members of First Congregational Church and to the Arts in Action group at St. Thomas More Student Parish, whose benefit concert added to the fund.
The need continues to be greater than the fund, and every donation helps a family stay housed. Donations to PEP are received by First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo.
PEP assistance is available to KHA clients only through the KHA Programs team.
If you are in need of assistance, please email us at info@kalamazoohousingadvocates.org or call us to schedule an appointment at 269-459-1040.