What began as a depression-era soup kitchen is now a multi-campus, comprehensive ministry reaching those in our community in need of hope and healing. The Gospel is at the center of our name and at the heart of what we do. We offer shelter, food and a helping hand, but we cannot change a heart. Only God can do that.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we will build the infrastructure of programs, services, funding, and capabilities which support eternal transformation in the lives of those who desire lasting life change. Over the next three years, our team will become even more efficient and have even greater impact. We will be known for quality services that builds competence, confidence, and an expanded sense of self-worth while continuing to provide basic shelter services and programming.
A collaborative community Serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, Respecting the value of every human being, Empowering those who desire Gospel-Powered life transformation, Equipping people with the resources for success, and Shepherding them into a life of purpose and compassion.
Welcome to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
For more than 92 years, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries has had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families in our community during some of life’s most difficult moments. From our earliest days to today, our calling has remained the same: to offer help, hope, and a path forward with dignity, compassion, and care.
If you walk through our doors, one of the first things you’ll notice is that everyone is welcome. You can sit down and enjoy a warm, nutritious meal, be treated with respect, and know that you are seen and valued. For many, that simple act of hospitality is the first step toward stability and healing.
Our services are designed to meet people where they are and support meaningful, lasting change through three levels of care:
•Emergency Services provide low-barrier access to shelter, meals, and basic needs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or crisis. These services are intentionally designed to remove unnecessary obstacles so people can find safety and care when they need it most.
•Next Steps offers a more structured, sober environment focused on short-term stability, goal setting, and working with case managers to identify the best path forward.
•New Life | New Hope is our long-term residential regeneration/recovery and discipleship program, supporting deep transformation through accountability, community, and personal growth. This program provides classroom instruction, hands-on work training, counseling, case management, and more.
What makes KGM especially meaningful to me is our people. Nearly 30% of our staff once received services or participated in one of our programs. They now serve here because they want to give back what was freely given to them—hope, support, and a chance to rebuild. Their lived experience brings authenticity, empathy, and credibility to the work we do every day.
Our Christian faith is the foundation of Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries and shapes why we serve the way we do. At the same time, faith participation is never a requirement to receive meals, emergency shelter, or Next Steps services. A word of encouragement, prayer, or participation in our daily chapel services is always optional—offeredas an invitation, never a condition.
Whether you are seeking help, looking to volunteer, considering a partnership, or learning more about our mission, I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our programs, our impact, and the people we serve. We invite you to engage with us more deeply—as a guest, a volunteer, a partner, or through financial partnership—as together we continue this work of hope, restoration, and transformation in our community.
With gratitude,
Pastor John Simpson
President & CEO
“I hope people support the mission because they help people who have nowhere else to go.”
Latest Newsletter
President/CEO
jsimpson@kzoogospel.org
269.345.2974
CFO
rniesen@kzoogospel.org
269.345.2974
VP of Operations
afigel@kzoogospel.org
269.345.2974
VP of Advancement
lrusscher@kzoogospel.org
269.345.2974
Director of Human Resources
edelgado@kzoogospel.org
269.345.2974
Director of KDC operations
kenny@deaconsconference.org
269.345.2974
Director of Programs
kraymond@kzoogospel.org
Director of Maintenance
jcrosswhite@kzoogospel.org
Development Director
mdenison@kzoogospel.org
Food Service Director
ddarden@kzoogospel.org
This in-depth report will provide detailed statistics and financial information about Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries in our 2023-2024 fiscal year.
