ANDY’S PLACE

Andy’s Place in Jackson, MI has won a 2021 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award in the Housing for Special Needs Populations category.

Andy’s Place, co-developed by Milner and Caringella, Inc. and Community Action Agency of Jackson (CAA), is a supportive recovery housing facility for opioid addiction recovery, providing 50 affordable homes to residents and families in Jackson, MI. Andy’s Place was developed in collaboration with the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals (MATCP) as part of the Permanent Recovery Supportive Housing (PSRH) Initiative, which was created in response to the opioid crisis in Michigan. The 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) was used to finance the property, with syndication provided by Cinnaire.

The development 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. Addressing homelessness issues among people with substance use disorders by providing safe, quality housing in a supervised environment contributes positively to an increase in successful drug treatment outcomes, and offers a long-term solution for addressing and recovering from opioid addiction. Andy’s Place offers 39 one-bedroom apartments for individuals referred by the Michigan Drug Treatment Courts (“the courts”), along with a separate building with 11 two-bedroom apartments to provide homes to families. Research has shown that a key component to successful recovery from opioid addiction is the restoring of families, and the PSRH program provides the opportunity to keep families together in a safe, secure environment.

Andy’s Place features comprehensive on-site support services, including case management and recovery programs, along with recreational and life skills programs, financial health and employment classes, and sober and wellness activities. The CAA partners with Andy’s Place to provide a variety of services for residents to achieve housing stability, including access to financial coaching, education and credit counseling, and connection to the local workforce development system for employment opportunities. CAA provides a full-time housing advocate and employment services on site, with healthcare services also provided by a medical doctor in residence. Through these partnerships and connections to other partner organizations, residents are referred to a variety of off-site services, including healthcare, social services, and job, recreational and training opportunities.

Andy’s Place is located in close proximity to healthcare services, a police department, a fire department, elementary schools, a high school, restaurants, a grocery store, retail shopping, major employers, financial services, a fitness center, a library, parks and recreation and major roadways. The development is also conveniently located near public transportation.

Andy’s Place is the first housing development in the nation to use the PRSH model, which addresses addiction recovery holistically. The model represents a collaboration between various individuals, civic groups, addiction treatment professionals, institutions, governments, and other organizations to create safe and supportive environments for residents and families to help those affected by opioid addiction stay on a path to success and recovery.

Click here to read more about Andy’s Place in MLive.

For more information, see the video below, Cinnaire podcast, or Cinnaire write-up.


Congressional Recognition

Statement from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

“Congratulations, Andy’s Place! I am working to address the critical need for behavioral and addiction services and am so impressed by the efforts of the community in coming together to help meet this critical need. I am personally inspired by the story of Andy’s Place and the incredible leadership and work of the Hirst family. Thank you to all the partners who have made this innovative housing project a reality,” said Senator Stabenow.

Recognition from U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI-7)

Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI-7) presented the 2021 Edson Award to Andy’s Place at the AHTCC’s 2021 Fall Meeting and Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards on September 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. Mike Hirst, founder of Andy’s Angels, accepted the award.

Representative Walberg also congratulated Andy’s Place via Twitter, saying “The Jackson area knows Mike Hirst well for his work to help those struggling with opioid addiction—including the launch of Andy’s Place. Now, folks across the country are taking notice. It was a privilege to help present Andy’s Place an award from @AHTCCoalition this week in DC.”

Mike Hirst (left) accepts the 2021 Edson Award for Andy’s Place at the AHTCC’s 2021 Fall Meeting and Edson Awards. Congressman Tim Walberg (right) presented the award.

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