WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Trinity Health Ann Arbor secured a $1 million grant to open a temporary housing facility, which will increase Washtenaw County’s capacity to support unhoused families, hospital officials announced.
The temporary emergency housing facility will be run by Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House and is expected to open in November 2025. Alpha House is a nonprofit that has offered support for unhoused children and adults throughout Washtenaw County for more than 30 years.
Recommended Videos
The facility, located on Trinity Health Ann Arbor’s campus, is set to open in a partially vacant building that was previously used as a nursing home.
There are 30 units, each with a private bathroom. Every unit can also fit up to four beds.
The hospital will retain ownership of the property and lease the space to Alpha House for $1 a year.
The location offers people “high access to opportunity” as it’s located near well-served bus lines and major employers and schools, according to the release from Trinity Health.
“Our health system is built on a foundation of core values, which includes our strong support and service to those experiencing poverty, especially the most vulnerable,” said Alonzo Lewis, president of Trinity Health Ann Arbor, Livingston, Oakland, and Livonia. “By converting available space on our campus, we aim to help break the cycle of poverty and make a significant impact on the broader Washtenaw County community.”
The project was made possible with a $1 million Legislative Enhancement Grant, which is designed to go toward temporary emergency housing projects.
This comes amid a housing crisis across the U.S. and after Trinity Health Ann Arbor’s health assessment revealed that housing was a top need for community members.
The project will help support the more than 100 parents and children who are currently on the waiting list for family shelter in Washtenaw County.
Trinity Health Ann Arbor is working to secure additional funds as upgrades to the building are expected to cost $2 million.
Necessary improvements include upgrades to the plumbing and electrical systems in the facility, along with work on the roof, HVAC system and elevator.
For more information about how to support this housing project, you can contact the Trinity Health Southeast Michigan Office of Philanthropy at 734-712-4040.
