About West Michigan Mesh

Everyday local communication. Backup resilience for the unexpected.

We are deploying MeshCore as community-owned communications infrastructure for times when phone, internet, and power-dependent systems become unavailable, overloaded, intentionally disrupted, damaged, or unsafe to rely on.

Statement of Intent

A local way to send short messages when the usual networks are not available.

The goal is simple: give people a local way to send short text messages when cell service, internet access, commercial power, or centralized platforms are not available.

MeshCore uses low-power LoRa radios to pass messages through a decentralized network of community-owned devices. With enough people and locations participating, the network can help neighbors, volunteers, community spaces, shelters, events, and mutual-aid groups stay connected when conventional networks fail.

This is not a replacement for 911, amateur radio, emergency management, or public safety systems. It is another layer: a practical way to check in, share local information, request help, coordinate resources, and keep community ties alive during outages or emergencies.

MeshCore can be used without an amateur radio license when operated with properly configured unlicensed radio equipment under the appropriate rules. Licensed radio operators and technical volunteers are welcome, but the project should remain accessible to people who are not radio hobbyists.

Why We Are Doing This

Everyday communications depend on fragile systems.

  • Cell towers need backhaul, fuel, power, and functioning carrier networks.
  • Home internet depends on local power, cable or fiber infrastructure, upstream providers, and DNS or cloud services.
  • Social media and messaging apps depend on centralized platforms.
  • Many radio services require licenses, training, or specialized equipment.

During storms, civil unrest, infrastructure failures, cyberattacks, or other emergencies, these systems can fail right when people need them most.

MeshCore gives us a different path. It is local, decentralized, low power, and inexpensive enough that regular community members can participate.

Who Is This For?

People and groups who care about local resilience.

  • Neighborhood mutual-aid groups
  • Disability and access-focused mutual-aid groups
  • Community safety volunteers
  • CERT-style volunteers
  • Event volunteers
  • Faith communities and shelters
  • Queer and trans community safety networks
  • Local nonprofits and community spaces
  • Makers, hackers, and technically curious neighbors
  • Amateur radio operators who want a no-license-required companion network
  • People who want a way to check on friends, family, and neighbors during outages

The important part is that this is not only for radio people. Technical volunteers are welcome, but the network should be understandable and usable by regular community members.

Why MeshCore?

A practical local text mesh using low-power LoRa radios.

  • A person can carry a small MeshCore device or connect one to a phone via Bluetooth.
  • That device can send and receive short text messages over the radio.
  • Other MeshCore nodes can help relay messages across a wider area.
  • Repeaters placed in good locations can extend the network.
  • Room servers can hold shared messages so people can catch up later if they were offline or out of range.
  • The network can continue operating without the internet.

This makes MeshCore a good fit for community resilience because it is not tied to one carrier, one platform, one building, or one internet connection.