The Affordable Housing Finance annual Readers’ Choice Awards honor and recognize outstanding affordable housing developments in ten categories. Projects are selected based on impact on a community, role in overall revitalization or social change, offering outstanding social services and addressing unique challenges. Cinnaire is pleased to announce Andy’s Place, in Jackson, MI, has received the 2021 AHF Readers’ Choice Award in the Special Needs Category. Andy’s Place was selected as one of 36 finalists from across the country after a national vote including AHF magazine and newsletter subscribers.
The Permanent Recovery Supportive Housing (PRSH) initiative was designed in response to Michigan’s growing opioid crisis. The idea was born to Mike Hirst, a longtime recovery advocate who lost his son to heroin. The Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals championed his idea and a collaboration between Cinnaire, the Michigan Governor’s Office, MSHDA, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) advanced the program from concept to reality. Andy’s Place was funded through a public-private partnership including investments from Cinnaire, Huntington Bank and MSHDA.
“The opioid crisis impacts individuals and families while creating burdens for taxpayers and communities across the country,” said Mark McDaniel, Cinnaire President & CEO. “Andy’s Place is the first development designed to address recovery holistically, bringing together long-term safe, affordable housing with onsite support services for those suffering from addiction. We appreciate AHF magazine and readers for recognizing Andy’s Place and for this opportunity to shine a light on how important supportive housing is for vulnerable populations. With support from public and private partners, we can create healthy communities that allow those suffering to recover.”
Andy’s Place brings Drug Court supervision of tenants and support services into the property, efficiently linking residents with programs proven most effective in recovery from opioid addiction. The development offers 39 one-bedroom apartments for individuals referred by the Michigan Drug Treatment Courts along with a separate building with 11 two-bedroom units to provide homes to families. Research has shown that a key component to successful recovery is the restoring of families, and the PRSH program provides the opportunity to keep families together in a safe, secure environment.
Andy’s Place offers comprehensive onsite support services, including case management and recovery programs funded and managed by the Drug Courts along with recreational and life skills programs, financial health and employment classes, and sober and wellness actives. The Community Action Agency of Jackson (CAA) partners with Andy’s Place to provide a variety of services for residents to achieve housing stability. CAA has formed partnerships with local business owners and manufacturers to provide training and job opportunities.
To view the full list of 2021 AHF Readers’ Choice Award recipients, please click here.
