Construction began in November 2023, with a targeted completion date of December 2024.

This is a collaborative effort by St. Matthew Parish, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM), Cinnaire Solutions, Ethos Development Partners, Ascension Michigan, and civic leadership to create a new community resource that helps meet the city's great need for affordable housing. The property manager for the project will be KMG Prestige. CCSEM is the lead sponsor for the project and is part of the national Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) network. The Residences at St. Matthew is one of five affordable housing projects initiated by CCUSA in cities nationwide. Part of the mission of Catholic Charities, both locally and nationally, is to provide housing solutions for families and individuals in need.

A total of 46 apartments will be available, consisting of 

• 36 one-bedroom units
• 4 two-bedroom units,
• 6 studio units. 

Health services will be provided to residents through a partnership with Ascension Michigan. The former gymnasium will be converted into a multi-purpose space offering programs and services provided by CCSEM and Ascension Health that will be available to community residents.

The Residences at St. Matthew is open to all individuals and families who meet income requirements set by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The units are intended for households earning no more than 30%, 50% and 60% of area median income. MSHDA is providing project based rental subsidies for 25 of the units and the City of Detroit is providing rental subsidy for 7 units. Residents in these units will pay no more than 30% of their income for rent (which includes utilities).

The total investment in the local community for the transformation of the building into affordable housing is approximately $20 million. In June 2022, MSHDA approved $9.8M in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for the project. Additional sources of funding include City of Detroit HOME funds, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Affordable Housing Program grant, philanthropy and federal Historic Tax Credits which will help ensure the development preserves much of its historic character.

Over the last three years, CCSEM has regularly communicated with the St. Matthew parish family and local neighborhood organizations, including MorningSide, East English Village, MECCA, and U-SNAP-BAC. The communication has included in-person presentations, newsletter articles, social media posts, and local media coverage. A Community Engagement Team composed of representatives from surrounding neighborhood organizations and key project partners meets regularly to provide updates and gather feedback.

No. The Residences at St. Matthew is not a homeless shelter. The project is a housing development that will provide affordable housing options for low-income families and individuals, as well as permanent supportive housing for 25 formerly homeless households.

Residential property values depend on many factors. The Residences at St. Matthew will help improve the neighborhood because it attractively repurposes two large buildings that have been vacant for more than a decade.

The application process has not yet begun. Please visit the Detroit Home Connect website at https://homeconnect.detroitmi.gov to sign up for updates and be notified when you can apply to the Residences at St. Matthew.

For media or press inquiries, please contact Isabella Agby - Director of Marketing and Communications at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan at 585.416.2300 ext. 3653 or agbyi@ccsem.org 

For all other project information, please get in touch with Paul Propson - CEO of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, at 586.416.2300 ext. 2020 or propsonp@ccsem.org