Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM), in partnership with Cinnaire Solutions, celebrated the grand opening of The Residences at St. Matthew on May 7. City leaders, community partners, and project stakeholders gathered to mark the transformation of the long-vacant St. Matthew Catholic School and activities building into a vibrant new affordable housing community on Detroit’s east side. Vacant for nearly a decade, the architecturally significant campus at 6000 Audubon Road has been restored to purpose, now offering 46 new affordable apartments with 36 one-bedroom, four two-bedroom and six studio units.
The project reserves 25 units for Permanent Supportive Housing for individuals previously experiencing homelessness, furnished through a partnership with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The remaining units serve households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Speakers participating in the celebration included Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; Latisha Johnson, Detroit City Council Member for District 4; Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, City of Detroit; Paul Propson, CEO of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan; Curtis Johnson, VP of Catholic Charities USA; Reverend Msgr. Dr. Charles Kosanke, CCSEM Chair; Christopher Laurent, President of Cinnaire Solutions; Chad Bensen, Rental Development Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA); Bishop Arturo Cepeda, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit; Father Duane Novelly, Pastor of St. Matthew; and Bob Riney, CEO of Henry Ford Health.
The Residences at St. Matthews has special meaning for Mayor Duggan, who was baptized at the church in 1958. “St. Matthew’s is one of several former Catholic school buildings in Detroit being transformed into much-needed affordable housing,” Duggan said. “The permanent supportive housing at the Residences at St. Matthew’s is a powerful example of the Church continuing its mission to care for those most in need. I’m deeply grateful to the Archdiocese of Detroit, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, and all the partners who made this important project a reality.
The Residences at St. Matthew is part of the national Healthy Housing Initiative launched by Catholic Charities USA, with CCSEM selected as one of only five agencies nationwide to implement this transformative model. The initiative focuses on improving health outcomes by combining affordable housing with integrated health services, delivered here through a partnership with Henry Ford St. John Hospital.
“This redevelopment is a testament to our mission at Catholic Charities — to be the hands and heart of Christ by bringing hope, restoring dignity, and building lasting community,” said Paul Propson, CEO of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. “In honoring the legacy of St. Matthew’s Parish, we are answering a Gospel call to serve those in need and help provide a place of safety, stability, and belonging for Detroit families.”
The former school’s gymnasium has been reimagined as a multipurpose space, offering resident services, health programs, a computer lab, and community engagement opportunities — further solidifying the project’s mission to build a stronger, healthier community.
The $20.49 million redevelopment was made possible through a collaboration with Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan and Cinnaire Solutions, and financing from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Federal Home Loan Bank, City of Detroit HOME Funds, and Historic Tax Credits. Independent Bank, Berkadia and Cinnaire Lending contributed to the funding to the project as well.
“The Residences at St. Matthew is a shining example of what’s possible when a community unites with compassion, vision, and determination,” said Christopher Laurent, President of Cinnaire Solutions. “This development not only preserves a vital piece of Detroit’s history but also creates new pathways of hope and opportunity for those who need it most. At Cinnaire, we’re guided by a purpose greater than any one individual—and we believe every Detroiter deserves the chance to live a life rooted in peace, dignity, and promise.”
“The transformation of the former St. Matthew School into new homes is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in people and place,” said MSHDA Development Director Chad Benson. “This project not only preserves a historic building; it provides 46 individuals and families—including more than half who have experienced chronic homelessness—with a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. We’re proud to support developments like this that bring together housing, health, and community to create lasting impact.”
Cinnaire team members celebrate the grand opening including Ryan Brand, Josh White, Susan Everhart, Lily Gonzalez, Ed Potas, Chris Laurent, Mark McDaniel, Deb Toby, Lucius Vassar, Jennifer Everhart, Chatana Viverette, and Tim Watson
A fresh chapter begins at St. Matthew – these thoughtfully designed apartments now stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Welcome home to the new residents!