We reported this week that Benton Harbor city leaders are talking about better ways to serve the homeless population in the community, and now they’ve gotten a bit of a boost.

When MHT Housing President T. Van Fox was in town on Wednesday for a groundbreaking, he paid a visit to City Manager Alex Little and made a $15,000 donation to the effort. Little tells us they’re looking at how the funds could be used.

“[We’re] trying to provide some better service for the homeless here in the city,” Little said. “It was really wonderful that he did that and basically he volunteered. He didn’t even wait to be asked.”

Little told city commissioners last week that $15,000 would be needed to set up an alternative place for homeless residents who gather at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park. That alternative location would feature a structure with tables, electricity, a drinking fountain, and chairs, possibly at city-owned property in the 200 block of Pipestone.

Little’s idea did get some pushback from community members nearby, and now a coalition is forming to help address the homelessness issue. Pastor Andre Palmer of Bethel Christian Restoration Church told commissioners this week he’ll host a forum at 6 p.m. on Thursday to discuss possible solutions.