GWINN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Late Monday evening, the Forsyth Township Planning Commission approved a measure that would allow a transient residential housing unit to operate at KI Sawyer.
The Forsyth Township Planning Commission became aware of the home after police were called to the home last month on a domestic complaint. Although no citations were issued, it did attract the attention of several residents who voiced concerns on social media.
The home, which is being run by Room at the Inn, is a three-bedroom duplex set up to provide temporary emergency housing for families experiencing homelessness. The home is set up to accommodate families for up to a 120-day stay.
“To have an apartment for families to be comfortable during their housing crisis, so that they, the family, can restabilize, the kids can stay in school. This is the most caring and compassionate way to provide emergency shelter to people in our community,” said Room at the Inn Executive Director Chelsie Wilkinson.
The planning commission voted to approve the measure with a few stipulations, among them regular supervision of the property, a full accounting of any police activity, and strict adherence to the guidelines set up by Room at the Inn.
“Coming into this meeting this evening, very worried about the misconception that everybody had portrayed out on social media, and that really bothered me, because I think that there were a lot more facts to be known,” said Planning Commission member Jesie Melchiori.
Room at the Inn officials made it clear to the packed meeting that background checks are conducted for all adults living there, and that no violent offenders will be allowed.
“It was great to see so many people here, and caring about their communities, and caring about their neighbors, and to give them the actual facts of what was being presented and what was going to be their neighbor,” said Melchiori.
Since opening in December 2025, the home has sheltered four families who have since transitioned to permanent housing.
“That is critical to families who are in crisis, to just have that little bit of normal normalcy while they, while they’re able to restabilize,” said Wilkinson.
The planning commission approved the measure for one calendar year, after which Room at the Inn must petition the board each year for reinstatement.
