New Property to be Named The McDaniel Apartments in Honor of Mark McDaniel’s Commitment to Recovery Support
Local leaders, state officials, and community members gathered to break ground on Andy’s Place II, a groundbreaking expansion of Michigan’s first Permanent Recovery Supportive Housing (PRSH) initiative in Jackson. The new development will provide 26 affordable apartments and essential services to support expectant families in recovery from opioid addiction.
During the ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel, MSHDA, and Mike Hirst, founder of Andy’s Angels, announced that the second phase will be named The McDaniel Apartments at Andy’s Place, honoring Mark McDaniel, CEO of Cinnaire, for his longtime dedication to expanding recovery housing. A special tribute from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist recognized Mark’s extraordinary contributions to the well-being of Michigan communities.
“Access to affordable housing creates better outcomes for people in recovery from substance use disorder,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We are proud to support the expansion of Andy’s Place, which provides essential resources that help people rebuild their lives, stay sober, and envision brighter futures.”
Addressing a Critical Need in the Fight Against Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction remains a public health crisis nationwide. According to the CDC, more than two million Americans live with opioid use disorder, and relapse rates remain high. In the U.S., 130 people lose their lives to opioid overdose every day, underscoring the need for accessible recovery services. One of the largest barriers to recovery is the lack of safe, affordable housing—a challenge well-known to Michigan’s treatment courts and recovery advocates.
“For countless Michiganders, addiction is a battle fought daily,” said State Senator Sue Shink. “Andy’s Place provides a space where recovery is nurtured with care and community. The $3 million investment in this next phase will extend that lifeline to families, giving hope where it’s needed most.”
Since opening in 2020, the first phase of Andy’s Place has been a lifeline for individuals overcoming opioid addiction. Andy’s Place II will build on this success by focusing on expectant families—offering them housing, stability, and tailored recovery support to keep families together during their journey to recovery.
“Recovery isn’t just about individuals—it’s about creating an environment where families can stay together, grow stronger, and build healthier futures,” said Mark McDaniel, CEO of Cinnaire. “The McDaniel Apartments will provide families with a foundation for long-term recovery and the resources to thrive.”
Mike Hirst, who founded Andy’s Angels after losing his son Andy to heroin addiction, emphasized the importance of expanding recovery services:
“We are thrilled to expand Andy’s Place with a focus on families. Safe, stable housing is critical to long-term recovery, and this new phase ensures expectant families in Jackson will have the support they need to rebuild.”
Comprehensive Recovery Services and Community Impact
Residents of Andy’s Place II will have access to the same wraparound recovery services provided at the original development, including community rooms, resource centers, picnic areas, and a tot lot. Unlike Phase I, which primarily serves individuals referred through treatment courts, Andy’s Place II will welcome families applying directly, further increasing access to vital recovery resources.
“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is committed to supporting evidence-based recovery models,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Andy’s Place II will provide families with the stability and support they need to overcome addiction.”
The development is made possible through a collaboration of public and private partners, including Cinnaire, Huntington Bank, Comerica, Fifth Third Bank, and local organizations. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.
Speakers at the Groundbreaking Ceremony Included:
- Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
- Mike Hirst, Founder, Andy’s Angels
- Elizabeth Hertel, Director, MDHHS
- Tim Walberg, Congressman, Michigan’s 5th District
- Sue Shink, Michigan State Senator, 14th District
- Pete Jancek, Blackman Township Supervisor
- Kathy Schmaltz, Michigan State Representative, 46th District
- Sarah Lightner, Michigan State Representative, 45th District
- Angela Witwer, Michigan State Representative, 76th District
- Patrick Reardon, Regional Banking Market Director, Huntington Bank
- Mark McDaniel, President and CEO, Cinnaire
- Elizabeth Rademacher, LIHTC Allocations Manager, MSHDA
About Andy’s Place
Founded in 2020, Andy’s Place was Michigan’s first Permanent Recovery Supportive Housing (PRSH) development. Created by Mike Hirst, in memory of his son Andy, the development offers affordable housing and comprehensive recovery services for individuals recovering from opioid addiction. Andy’s Place II will continue this mission by focusing on expectant families, providing them with housing and resources to support their recovery journey.
