64 Renovated Apartments Provide Permanent Supportive Housing for Residents Exiting Homelessness
Traverse City, Mich.— Cinnaire joined project partners, community leaders and residents this week to celebrate the completion of East Bay Flats, a newly renovated 64-unit permanent supportive housing community that provides stable homes and on-site services for individuals transitioning out of homelessness in Traverse City.
Located at 440 Munson Avenue, East Bay Flats is one of the few communities in Northern Michigan comprised entirely of permanent supportive housing. Every apartment is home to a resident who has moved out of homelessness, including many who have experienced chronic homelessness while living with a disability. Residents earn 30% of the area median income or less, with rents capped at no more than 30% of household income.
Developed through a partnership between Goodwill Northern Michigan and Cinnaire, the $13 million redevelopment transformed the property with comprehensive renovations, including new HVAC systems, windows, upgraded community spaces and enhanced security features. Today, 62 of the community’s 64 apartments are occupied.
“East Bay Flats demonstrates what’s possible when mission-driven partners come together to address one of the most urgent challenges facing communities across Michigan,” said Mark McDaniel, President and CEO of Cinnaire. “By preserving and enhancing these homes while pairing housing with critical support services, this development provides residents with the stability they need to thrive and strengthens the broader community.”
The development provides residents with access to three full-time on-site housing case managers funded by Goodwill Northern Michigan. These professionals help residents achieve long-term housing stability, connect with services, pursue personal goals and build stronger community connections.
“Housing stability is the foundation for stronger individuals, families and communities,” said Nick Florian, Huntington Bank’s Northern Michigan market president. “That’s why we’re proud to invest in East Bay Flats and to work alongside Cinnaire and the many partners who made it possible. This is a great example of what can happen when organizations bring their resources and expertise together to create stability for residents and strengthen Traverse City for the long term.”
East Bay Flats represents a critical component of the region’s homeless response system. Together with its partners in the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, Goodwill Northern Michigan helps more than 1,500 individuals and families move from homelessness into housing each year. East Bay Flats expands that effort by providing permanent homes and ongoing support for residents who need long-term stability.
The project was made possible through a collaboration of public, private and nonprofit partners, including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), IFF, Huntington Bank, West Shore Bank, Rotary Charities, Michigan Community Capital, the City of Traverse City, the Traverse City Housing Commission, and numerous community supporters and donors.