The Transformative Residences at St. Matthew Project Now Open

May was a big month for The Residences at St. Matthew. The 46 newly renovated housing units were finally completed and officially opened on May 7 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by many in the Morningside neighborhood, Detroit, and beyond.

The ceremony had a lively kick off with some music and remarks form Paul Propson the CEO of Catholic Charities of Southeastern Michigan (CCSEM), the owner of this project along with support from the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph and Cinnaire Solutions real estate developer. Mayor Duggan, as well as Councilwoman Latisha Johnson, gave remarks reflecting on the early days of the project and the power of permanent supportive housing. Mayor Duggan also shared his personal connection to the site, having been baptized at St. Matthew’s church in 1958.

Other speakers included: Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, City of Detroit; 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.

Father Novelly gave particularly inspired remarks. As the pastor at St. Matthew for over 30 years, he has seen the neighborhood grow and change. He expressed his gratitude not only to the parishioners at St. Matthew for supporting this effort for so long, but also the Morningside community for welcoming this development that will be a path to positive change.

As the remarks went on, it was clear to see how vital each person and organization was in making this project a success.

Many of the speakers stressed the importance of what this project will do for those in need of housing and career support in our communities. Of the 46 new units, 25 of the new units are permanent supportive housing for those previously experiencing homelessness. This means besides providing a welcoming place for neighbors to live, the Residences at St. Matthew will also provide them with continued support through career training, as well as physical and mental health support provided by Henry Ford Health. There will be access to these programs in the facility’s gymnasium on a regular basis.

Another feature of the facility are shared computer labs available for resident use on the residential floors.

One of the most wonderful things about these 25 units is that they come fully furnished. Besides having all the necessary furniture like couches, beds, and dining room seating, the units also have art, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, and amenities like mirrors, and clocks. The effort to furnish the interiors was completed with the support from CCSEM, the Capuchins, the Interior Designers Coalition for Change, NBS Commercial Interiors, and Quinn Evans. The goal was for these units to feel like home as soon as residents walk through the door.

It will be wonderful to witness the lives changed by this project and it is inspiring to see that it started from the ground up right here in Morningside. If anyone is interested in watching the full presentation of remarks, there is a recording of the event provided by the City of Detroit on YouTube here: The Residences at St. Matthew Grand Opening.