In Kalamazoo, Michigan, a community manager is making a significant impact by helping families and individuals who experience homelessness find stable housing. Over the past two years, Jennifer Hayworth has successfully assisted 25 households in securing apartments at Lilac Hills. Her personal experience with homelessness drives her commitment to providing support.
Six years ago, Hayworth faced a devastating loss when her six-week-old daughter, Melina, died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In the aftermath, she was forced to confront a series of unfortunate events that led to her being homeless. Within 48 hours, the home she shared with her family was condemned, leaving them without a place to stay. At the time, Hayworth was 30 years old and living on disability. She and her mother spent three months in a hotel before moving into Selinon Park in Portage.
“I was there, six years ago, back in 2019,” Hayworth recounted. “They gave me a chance. And that’s what I want to do for other people. I understand what it feels like. Most people only need a chance.”
After settling into her new residence, Hayworth connected with MRC Industries, an organization that aids individuals in becoming self-sufficient at home and in the workplace. This connection led her to a part-time job as a janitor for KMG Prestige, the company managing Lilac Hills. Within a year, she advanced to the position of community manager, where she now collaborates with various local organizations to assist those in need.
Among the families Hayworth has helped are Kevin and Jeannie Newland, who moved into a three-bedroom apartment at Lilac Hills in March 2023 after nearly five years of homelessness. During this challenging period, the Newlands frequently relied on family for shelter but also spent time camping and staying in shelters. Jeannie Newland expressed the significance of having their own space, stating, “It’s been a minute since we had our own Christmas tree.”
Brandon Mion, the family’s caseworker at Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK), highlighted the emotional impact of their new home. “For their three young girls, this is the first time they are going to have a real Christmas,” he said. The Newlands faced numerous obstacles in their pursuit of stable housing, including financial challenges that hindered job stability.
Jeannie Newland noted that in the past, their earnings went towards family expenses rather than saving for their own home. The absence of a permanent address further complicated their ability to secure consistent employment. Following the birth of their fifth child in the summer of 2022, Jeannie spent time in a shelter with the newborn before the family moved into a hotel. Eventually, with the assistance of a project-based voucher, ISK connected them with Hayworth, who facilitated their transition into Lilac Hills.
Now that they have secured housing, the Newlands actively volunteer with Kalamazoo Together for the Unhoused, helping distribute essential supplies to others in need. “I tell others on the streets to stay positive,” Jeannie Newland said, reflecting on their journey. “It was a long road. I thought it was going to be longer, but we did it.”
Both Kevin and Jeannie Newland emphasize the importance of landlords like Hayworth who see beyond the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. “It’s important that she sees people like us as humans as opposed to just the issues that we are experiencing,” Kevin Newland remarked.
Mion noted that addressing homelessness requires collaboration with individuals who may have previous evictions or financial difficulties. “There are a few landlords out there, like Jennifer, willing to take a shot, but we need more,” he said. He stressed that there are effective programs available that can help those in need, but more support is necessary to expand their reach.
The reality of homelessness often remains hidden from public view. Mion pointed out that many individuals only see the person on the street but fail to recognize families like the Newlands who have been struggling for years. Another example is a young single mother, identified only as Kealey, who recently moved into Lilac Hills just before Christmas.
Prior to her move on December 10, 2023, Kealey and her three-year-old daughter experienced five months of couch surfing. They were on the brink of moving into a shelter when her caseworker from Healthy Babies, Healthy Start connected her with Hayworth. “If her caseworker hadn’t contacted me, I don’t think she would have found us,” Hayworth said.
Kealey’s previous living situation deteriorated due to severe maintenance issues, including a caving kitchen ceiling and mold. Despite her attempts to have the problems addressed, her landlord’s inaction forced her to leave. Living on social security with limited resources made it challenging to find stable housing, but now she is excited about her new home.
“It’s really exciting,” Kealey said. “I feel safer, more comfortable.” The approval call from Hayworth was a moment of relief for her, as she felt overwhelmed during her time of instability.
Hayworth understands the feelings of embarrassment and hopelessness that often accompany homelessness. “Until you’ve lived it you don’t really understand 100%,” she explained. “I know how it is. I know what it feels like, and it’s not a good feeling. But I think that’s why I get so much joy out of giving people a break. If I can turn my life around, anybody can.”
Through her work at Lilac Hills, Hayworth continues to advocate for those in need, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing the complex issue of homelessness. By providing opportunities and support, she hopes to inspire others to see the humanity in those facing difficult circumstances.
