Supporting Supportive Housing in Ann Arbor
July, 2007
Avalon Housing was created in 1992 to develop and
manage permanent affordable housing with support
services for people with very low incomes and
disabilities. Over the past eight years, the Trust
Fund has funded numerous Avalon projects, including
two in Ann Arbor earlier this year.
The first project is targeted towards people
that are chronically homeless. Individuals are
typically referred to Avalon by the Shelter
Association of Washtenaw County, or the Project
OutReach Team (PORT). Avalon, the Shelter, and the
PORT Team have a strong track record of collaboration
and coordinating services for homeless individuals
who wish to gain residence in Avalon units. Ongoing
supportive housing services are also available to
tenants through Catholic Social Services.
The second loan financed by the Trust Fund this
year is targeted at survivors of domestic violence.
For this project, Avalon receives referrals from Safe
House Center, an emergency shelter for victims of
domestic abuse. The combined loans —for
$492,150 and $504,900, respectively—will create
10 units of affordable housing in the Ann Arbor area.
Over the years, Avalon has received many awards from various community development organizations in recognition of their work in the affordable housing industry. During 2006, Avalon housed 277 low income individuals, including 51 families with children.
“In 1992, Avalon’s first loan for our first 6-unit project came from the Michigan Housing Trust Fund for $26,000,” said Michael Appel, Executive Director of Avalon Housing. “Fifteen years later, we have 18 projects and 190 units, and we still look to the Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund for development support. Their $1 million in bridge loan financing in 2007 allowed us to secure two projects and ten units of housing for homeless persons when we would otherwise have lost site control.”
Each of these projects were developed as part of MSHDA’s Campaign to End Homelessness, and will also receive permanent financing support from MSHDA, the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
The Trust Fund is proud to support Avalon’s work in Ann Arbor, and looks forward to future ventures with the organization. To learn more about Avalon Housing’s work, be sure to visit their website: avalonhousing.org.
Over the years, Avalon has received many awards from various community development organizations in recognition of their work in the affordable housing industry. During 2006, Avalon housed 277 low income individuals, including 51 families with children.
“In 1992, Avalon’s first loan for our first 6-unit project came from the Michigan Housing Trust Fund for $26,000,” said Michael Appel, Executive Director of Avalon Housing. “Fifteen years later, we have 18 projects and 190 units, and we still look to the Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund for development support. Their $1 million in bridge loan financing in 2007 allowed us to secure two projects and ten units of housing for homeless persons when we would otherwise have lost site control.”
Each of these projects were developed as part of MSHDA’s Campaign to End Homelessness, and will also receive permanent financing support from MSHDA, the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
The Trust Fund is proud to support Avalon’s work in Ann Arbor, and looks forward to future ventures with the organization. To learn more about Avalon Housing’s work, be sure to visit their website: avalonhousing.org.