On the agenda: Washtenaw County Continuum of Care Board Regular Meeting Agenda and Packet (PDF) — Data Center (Jan 14)

CoC Board Meeting
January 14, 2015, 3-5pm
OCED Large Conference Room- 415 W. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
TIME

AGENDA ITEM

3:00pm

I.

Call to Order

3:02pm

II.

Welcome/Introductions

3:05pm

III.

Public Comment (limited 2 minutes per person)

3:10pm

IV.

Approval of Agenda (ACTION)

3:12pm

V.

Approval of Minutes (ACTION)

VI.

McKinley: Veteran Housing Presentation & Tax Credit Application
a. McKinley Veteran Housing Presentation- Kenneth P. Polsinelli, Chief Real
Estate Officer; Thomas Gritter, Vice President & Managing Director;
Andrew Berriz, Director- Special Projects Group, McKinley
b. Tax Credit Application (ACTION)
HAWC Presentation
a. Tenetia Pulliam, HAWC/ The Salvation Army
HCV & PBV Waiting List Updates
a. Tenetia Pulliam & JoAnna Goodman, HAWC/ The Salvation Army
Washtenaw Housing Alliance Updates
a. Amanda Carlisle, WHA
Zero: 2016 Campaign & PIT Count Update
a. Andrea Plevek & Mercedes Brown, OCED; Amanda Carlisle, WHA
Winter Response Plan Update
a. Andrea Plevek, OCED

3:15pm

3:55pm
4:20pm
4:25pm
4:30pm
4:40pm

VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.

4:45pm

XII.

Board Member Updates/Issues

4:55pm

XIII.

Public Comment (limited 2 minutes per person)

5:00pm

XIV.

Adjournment

CoC Board Meeting
November 12, 2014, 3-5pm
OCED Large Conference Room- 415 W. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Members Present:, Tracey Foley Jr., Wendy Hatem, Shawn Dowling, Ellen Rabinowitz, Renee Smith, Neel
Hajra, Laurie Ingram, John Hieftje, Carole McCabe, Jean Carlberg, Mary Jo Callan, Marci Scalera, Zachary
Fosler, Greg Pordon
Members Absent: Tracy Williams, Susan Pollay, Katie Doyle, Trish Cortes, Verna McDaniel, Ellen
Schulemeister, John Seto
Staff/Presenters Present: Andrea Plevek (OCED), Laura Urteaga-Fuentes (OCED), Amanda Carlisle
(WHA), Marla Conkin (Salvation Army),
Public: Greg Mitchell (Ann Arbor Housing Commission), Kristin Duff (EPHY)
TIME
3:00pm
3:02pm
3:05pm

AGENDA ITEM
I.

Call to Order
C. McCabe called the meeting to order at 3:16PM

II.

Welcome/Introductions

III.

Public Comment (limited 2 minutes per person)None given
Approval of Agenda (ACTION)J. Carlberg. seconded by J. Hieftje, moved to consider the agenda for approval. C.
McCabe put the action item to a vote once no changes were stated. Motion
Approved (14 ayes, 0 nays).
Approval of Minutes (ACTION
J. Hieftje, seconded by R. Smith, moved to consider the minutes for approval. C.
McCabe put the action item to a vote once no changes were stated. Motion
Approved (14ayes, 0 nays).
FUSE Presentation
a. Laurie Ingram, Catholic Social Services
L.Ingram shared that FUSE is data –driven and uses a quantitative method to identify
the vulnerable high-cost, high-need, homeless population of emergency health
services frequent utilizers. Intensive case management is needed for this population
and is CTI informed. Case managers are seeing people 3-7 times per week until they
are stable in their own homes. FUSE has committed to house 100 people within two
years and they are getting close to meeting the goal through cross-system
partnerships. FUSE reduces health care costs, but also other public systems costs
(police, jails, fire department, etc).

IV.
3:10pm
V.
3:12pm
VI.

3:15pm

FUSE uses comprehensive case management with housing first philosophy built in.
They have a partnership with the Ann Arbor Housing Commission and are building a
strong partnership with private landlords. 86% of program participants identify the
Emergency Department as primary source of health care. 90% of those participants
are happy about that and don’t want to change that. Shifting mindsets is difficult,
but the focus is on getting everyone stable first. FUSE is already approved for funding
(SIF, Medicaid, MSHDA ESG, COFU, RAAH) for year 4 and there is a good chance for
year 5 (FUSE is currently in its 3rd year). Future funding might include supportive

housing benefit, HUD PSH Bonus project, ROSCH, SUD funding. There are only 5
different receivers of FUSE grants in the country and these can leverage Medicaid
dollars. FUSE works closely with many community partners (housing, hospitals,
integrated health, evaluation) and this is integral to the success.
The presentation showed the top 10 utilizers had comorbidity with substance abuse
disorders and mental health diagnosis, while 60% were homeless. Average annual
hospital charges per person were $178,500 and median annual hospital charges were
$99,500 in the year prior to intervention. Participants also had poor health outcomes
and were a strain on city/county systems.
Since the program started, 72 people have been housed out of the78 enrolled with a
89% housing retention rates. FUSE staff is on the ground and working with partners
in order to recruit. It takes about 6 months to stabilize clients and then they start
engaging with primary care services at that point. In one year, Emergency
Department visits per person go from 9.6 visits to 4.8, with 4.6 inpatient stays down
to 1.25. $10 million per year cost savings for the 100 people enrolled in the program.
N.Hajra asked about hospitals being future funders. L.Ingram said they are in
conversations and right now they are providing in-kind at the moment.
A.Plevek clarified that CSH lobbied MSHDA for FUSE and they received ESG funding
separately from the community’s allocation.
This Friday, FUSE has a quarterly stakeholder meeting 9-11am at Catholic Social
Services. The topic will relate to what the future of FUSE looks like.

VII.

3:30pm

VIII.

3:40pm

J.Carlberg asked how difficult it would be to get police information. L.Ingram said
that they didn’t have any in the initial data pull, but they are hoping it won’t be too
difficult going forward.
HCV & PBV Waiting List Updates
a. Marla Conkin (filling in for Tenetia Pulliam)- (HAWC)
M. Conkin relayed that HAWC hired a staff person who is managing the Housing
Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist for the HARA. JoAnna Woods will be presenting on this
and Project Base Voucher (PBV) at future board meetings. Currently, 207 people are
on the HCV waiting list and 30 people have been pulled from the top. Joanna was
able to recertify 113 people, while 13 were removed from the list. Tuesday of next
week, HAWC is holding an information session about HCV. HAWC just received the
PBV contact name and they are in the process of setting up a meeting to get updates.
J. Carlberg asked to have a 3 month report on how many received from the list
received housing. M. Conkin said they could provide this quarterly.
CoC 2014 Application Process
a. Overview & Renewals- Andrea Plevek, OCED
A.Plevek gave an overview of the annual CoC funding process. The FRT has a lot of
experience in this, especially with the reallocation round last year. The CoC
completed a robust process last year, reallocating about half of the funding. This year
we had a more simple process for renewals. What was new and exciting this year
was the opportunity to apply for a PSH bonus project.
b. New PSH Bonus Application- Carole McCabe, Avalon Housing
C. McCabe talked about how FUSE is getting great outcomes and in wanting to
continue the program, are using this opportunity to support the FUSE initiative. If
awarded, the project would serve 52 people with vouchers for 44 people. Case
managers would have small case loads of 15:1 (instead of 20:1) because of the

intensity of the work with this population. There is a lot of cross over between FUSE
clients and the Chronically Homeless (CH) population this grant would serve. N. Hajra
asked when we find out if the PSH bonus was awarded. A. Plevek relayed that for
renewals we will find out before the end of the year, but as far as the PSH bonus, we
hope to hear back by the first quarter of 2015.

IX.

4:10pm

X.

4:15pm

XI.

4:25pm

c. FRT Recommendations Report (ACTION)
Z. Fosler moved to consider the FRT Recommendation Report (attachment C in the
Board packet) for approval. W. Hatem seconded. C. McCabe put the report to a vote
and it was approved by all in attendance, expect for C. McCabe and L. Ingram who
abstained due to conflict of interest. (12 ayes, 0 nays).
Washtenaw Housing Alliance Updates
a. Amanda Carlisle, WHA
A. Carlisle related that WHA is the planning and coordinating entity for Coordinated
Funding. She will be at the next Barrier Busters meeting to present on Wednesday,
Nov. 19th
There will be a training series on housing and harm reduction. The first training will
be Wed. Dec. 10th 2-4pm at St. Joe’s Education Center. Fliers were provided to
attendants. This training will be about putting harm reductions principles into
practice. The training already has 100 participants signed up. She also relayed an
opportunity for Federal advocacy. The Obama administration put forth a budget for
2.4M in HUD McKinney Vento funding, which is a 30% increase. She will send out
information on the listserv.
Zero: 2016 Campaign Update
a. Andrea Plevek, OCED; Amanda Carlisle, WHA
Washtenaw County was been selected as part of the Zero: 2016 campaign. As
Community Solutions, who spearheads the campaign, gets information about our
community, they will offer technical assistance going forward. The kick off to the
campaign includes a beefed up PIT Count to include more in-depth screening. The
HMIS Lead has already met with key partners, such as PORT/PATH, to iron out details
and begin planning this year’s unsheltered count.
Winter Response Plan Update
a. Andrea Plevek, OCED
This plan is a response to last year’s polar vortex crisis. The Winter Response work
group assigned to work on this plan identified daytime and nighttime warming
shelter spaces so the community can be prepared. M. Callan relayed that city council
and the Board of Commissioners are very supportive in enhancing our warming
center system. The expansion will need $180,000 to be funded and this goes before
the council on Monday night and before the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday.
M. Callan encouraged residents to let their commissioners and city council members
know their thoughts about the effort. J. Hieftje relayed that in February, 50% of
population served was not from Washtenaw County. To help with overcapacity, he is
working on a letter to the governor to set up matching funds for those surrounding
communities that need shelters. A. Carlisle continued with the update since WHA
helped convene this workgroup. The workgroup focused on a plan for this winter, but
there is a need to have more long term conversations. This will be incorporated into
the blueprint.
T. Foley commented as a former resident of the shelter that there were also people
coming from other states, not just other counties. He found it was staggering to
know that other places don’t have a shelter system.
C. McCabe reminds the community that we have an ethical responsibility to serve
people that need services, no matter where they came from. Since board members

XII.

were in agreement, in writing the letter to the governor, she would like us to be
mindful of nuances that might not reflect this. M. Callan and A. Carlisle will work with
J. Hieftje to navigate these nuances.
Update on Community Conversation on Affordable Housing & Homelessness
a. Andrea Plevek, OCED
A.Plevek asked J. Hieftje for his feedback since he convened the event with
Commissioner Rabhi. He said he received really positive feedback from attendants.
He also heard that some were not a “fan” of the first speaker because she suggested
that we can solve the problem with vouchers, but our vacancy rate is zero.
M. Callan relayed that the Community Conversation tried to accomplish the tie in of
interest and mission of attending to homelessness and tying that into what is really
an affordability and affordable housing issue in the county. Moreover, how this is
being impacted by a growing inequity in Washtenaw county. We have enough
affordable housing, but not in the right places. As a community, we need to start
thinking about affordable housing differently. What it is going to take to right-size
this is going to be very different in Ann Arbor than in Ypsilanti. These issues are
impacted by the growing lack of affordability. We can’t solve either issues without
addressing and understanding the needs of both.

4:30pm

J. Carlberg had a lot of trouble accepting czb’s conclusions. She would like to see a lot
more conversation about those with 0-30% AMI, which are more difficult to house.
She would not like to start with people at a higher AMI.

XIII.
4:35pm

XIV.

4:40pm

XV.

The event had good attendance by city council members. About 180 attended in total
and half of those left evaluation responses. 93% said it was a good use of their time.
Z. Fosler added that it was striking how US 23 splits the area and how many
affordable housing units are needed in Ann Arbor and how many there are in
Ypsilanti. This will change the way the Ypsilanti Housing Commission strategizes.
M. Callan can’t stress enough how important the community’s engagement. Land
use, zoning, density, etc. need to be talked about or we are not making any headway.
PIT Count Update
a. Andrea Plevek, OCED
As mentioned, the HMIS Lead has already met with key partners to plan the Point-InTime count which will take plan on January 28th. They will need volunteers and that
information will go out when it’s available.
Platt Road Update
a. Mary Jo Callan, OCED
A. Carlisle on behalf of the WHA will let the community know about any advocacy
opportunities. The plan is going to the BOC on January 21st. The plan includes a mix of
townhomes and dubplexes, with 120 units recommended, most of those senior units.
J. Hieftje adds that Carrotway had the same struggles in getting approved, so we
really need to people to come and vouch for it. WHA will make sure to have this
information.
Report on CoC subcommittees
A.Plevek went over the written document provided in the board packet.

4:45pm

a. Data & Performance Measurement
b. Funding Review Team
c. HAWC Oversight & Evaluation Committee
XVI.
Board Member Updates/Issues
4:50pm
None reported. Next meeting will be held January 14th.
XVII.
Public Comment (limited 2 minutes per person)
4:55pm
XVIII.
none

5:00pm

XIX.

Adjournment
C.McCabe adjourned the meeting at 4:47pm.

ACTION ITEM SUMMARY
CONTINUUM OF CARE BOARD (COC)
JANUARY 14, 2015
APPROVAL OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING TAX CREDIT APPLICATION:
ANN ARBOR VETERANS VILLAGE
McKinley is proposing a plan that offers 80 1-bedroom apartment units for Veterans with on-site permanent
supportive services offered by the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) for all 80 units, including onsite amenities such as counseling, library and computer space. McKinley is seeking CoC support for their
Supportive Housing Tax Credit Application that will support the building of the Ann Arbor Veterans Village.
The proposed target population is Veterans, qualified as either literally homeless [Category 1] and/or special
needs as defined by HUD and approved by the Homeless Emergency Assistance Rapid Transition to Housing
(HEARTH) Act of 2009. All 80 units would serve those at or below 30% of average median income or $18,360
annual income for 1 person and $21,000 for 2 persons. The proposal includes seeking rental assistance
consisting of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers and/or MSHDA Project-Based
Vouchers (PBV). The location of this development is along the Washtenaw Avenue corridor on the Northeast
corner of Pittsfield Township nearby the intersection of Golfside Road. This is the primary transportation
corridor linking the City of Ann Arbor with the City of Ypsilanti, supports the most productive bus route in
Washtenaw County, and allows for easy access to the VAAAHS) and the Washtenaw County Department of
Veterans Affairs.

CURRENT ACTION NEEDED:
Approval of support for the tax credit application. A letter of support and a MSHDA form will need to be
signed by a Board Chair (both attached).

MOTION:
The CoC Board supports the submission of a tax credit application for the Ann Arbor Veterans Village.

ADDENDUM III – Continuum of Care Form
This form should be completed and submitted with the Addendum III LIHTC application . The
Developer must complete pages 1-2 and the CoC must complete pages 3-4. If additional
exhibits are needed to describe the information requested please attach the information to this
form.
Owner Identification:
Organization
Primary Address
Contact Person
Contact Phone
Contact Email
President/CEO

Continuum of Care Identification Information:
Organization
Primary Address
Contact Person
Contact Phone
Contact Email
Chair or Designee

Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA):
Organization
Primary Address
Contact Person
Contact Phone
Contact Email
Chair or Designee

Lead Organization Identification Information:
Organization
Primary Address
Contact Person
Contact Phone
Contact Email
Chair or Designee

III - 1

Project Name:______________________________________________________________________
Project Location: _________________________________County___________________________
Attach a copy of the letter of intent describing the proposed Permanent Supportive Housing
Development as described below:
a. The Developer is encouraged to submit a concept letter of intent to the CoC describing
the proposed Permanent Supportive Housing Development. The letter should include:
a. The total number of units
b. The number of PSH units
c. Targeted Population
d. Description of the housing units, ie. Townhouses, Apartments, Single Family
homes.
e. Bedroom mix of the proposed PSH units
f. Location of the Development
g. Proposed Services and Amenities
If the Developer is seeking points for CoC engagement and participation, the developer
must attend a CoC meeting to discuss the proposed development outlined in the
concept letter and provide a signed copy of the CoC Support Form.
Targeted Populations
Please check all that apply to this development:
Head of Household or Adult Member of Household must meet at least one of the following
criteria: Definition details can be found in Attachment A of the Addendum III.
1. Homeless (please check below all that apply)
Category 1 An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
residence.
Category 2 An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime
residence.
Category 3 Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and
youth, who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition.
Category 4 Domestic Violence
2. Chronically Homeless
3. Special Needs

III - 2

If targeted populations include homeless populations attach HMIS data supporting the need for the
proposed permanent supportive housing units and describe the community’s screening and referral
process for permanent supportive housing. Describe how this process will provide referrals to the
proposed development.

CoC Comments:
Please provide a letter of support for the proposed development and provide any additional
comments below:

III - 3

Attach a copy of the CoC meeting minutes from the meeting that the Development Team presented
the Permanent Supportive Housing proposal including the date of the meeting, an attendee roster with
the name of the attendee and the agency represented.
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

CoC Chair or designee
______________________________________________________________________________________
Name Printed
Title
Date
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Signature
Title
Date

HARA Representative
______________________________________________________________________________________
Name Printed
Title
Date
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Signature
Title
Date

Lead Agency Representative
______________________________________________________________________________________
Name Printed
Title
Date
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Signature
Title
Date

III - 4

Michigan State Housing Development Authority
735 E Michigan Ave, PO Box 30044
Lansing, MI 48909
Dear Michigan State Housing Department Authority,
Acting as the Co-Chair for the Continuum of Care, I hereby support and endorse the proposal for Veterans
permanent supportive housing at Ann Arbor Veterans Village.
The proposed plan offers 80 1-bedroom apartment units for Veterans with on-site permanent supportive
services offered by the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) for all 80 units, including on-site amenities
such as counseling, library and computer space. The proposed target population is Veterans, qualified as
either literally homeless [Category 1] and/or special needs as defined by HUD and approved by the Homeless
Emergency Assistance Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009. All 80 units would serve those at or
below 30% of average median income or $18,360 annual income for 1 person and $21,000 for 2 persons. The
proposal includes seeking rental assistance consisting of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
vouchers and/or MSHDA Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). The number of vouchers available will be based on
additional coordination with appropriate stakeholders and availability given the timing of project approval.
The location of this development is along the Washtenaw Avenue corridor on the Northeast corner of
Pittsfield Township nearby the intersection of Golfside Road. This is the primary transportation corridor
linking the City of Ann Arbor with the City of Ypsilanti, supports the most productive bus route in Washtenaw
County, and allows for easy access to the VAAAHS) and the Washtenaw County Department of Veterans
Affairs. Additionally, this plan aligns with the 2010 Pittsfield Master Plan and the “Reimagine Washtenaw”
regional revitalization effort for mixed-use development along this Washtenaw Avenue Corridor.
There is a significant need to support our Veterans. According to the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System,
Veterans Integrated Service Network 11 has engaged 37,874 through Homeless Services offered through
seven medical centers; the VA Ann Arbor Homeless Program served 20% of those Veterans. Additionally,
65,421 Veterans were served in VAAAHS in 2014 reflecting a 15-county area of Michigan and Northwest
Ohio. In review of actual Veterans served by the Ann Arbor VA Homeless Program from 10-1-2013 to 9-302014, 1,011 Veterans were served representing 44 counties. Of Veterans who were assessed for homeless
services at the Ann Arbor in FY14, 70% were literally homeless [Category 1].
This project supports the significant need to increase the availability of permanent, affordable housing with
supportive services for people at or below 30% of area median income. A lack of affordable housing is a root
problem of homelessness and permanent supportive housing solutions combined with supportive case
management is a proven approach to supporting helping those in need address barriers, maintain their
housing, and ultimately break the cycle of homelessness. This need is especially critical for serving our aging
and returning Veterans.
This proposal exemplifies a strong public/private partnership to address the need for quality affordable
housing for Veterans with integrated supportive services located at a primary corridor for revitalization.
Sincerely,

[Continuum of Care Co-Chair]

[1]

Ann Arbor Veterans Village
Permanent supportive housing with integrated supportive services
Location – Washtenaw Avenue Corridor nearby Golfside Road in Ann Arbor within Pittsfield
Township.
Land Available – A total of 9.66 acres of vacant land (7.71 acres, 1.95 acres).
To the north of the vacant land is 17.69 acres of conservation land consisting of densely
wooded forest, walking trails, and two small bodies of water. The conservation parcel is
protected and cannot be developed.
To the west is Glencoe Hills Apartments at 2201 Glencoe Hills Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48108.
To the east is Golfside Lakes Apartment at 2345 Woodridge Way, Ypsilanti MI 48197. To the
south is Glencoe Crossing retail center at 4741 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor MI 48108.
Phasing Overview –
Phase 1 as proposed in this project narrative is the first of two potential phases available on the
total 9.66 acres of vacant land. The approach to develop in phases is modeled after successful
Veterans Housing projects such as Silver Star Apartments in Battle Creek Michigan and Hope
Manor in Chicago Illinois, to allow for learnings in phase 1 and to reassess the need for
Veterans in phase 2.
Green Policy – Enterprise Green Community Standards.
McKinley Prior LIHTC Projects –The Commons Senior Living Center in Taylor Michigan
was funded through $9,590,000 MSHDA Low Income Housing Tax Credits in the PassThrough Program.
Type of Financing – The project will be financed through MSHDA LIHTC 9% funding as
well as a HUD loan.
The Need for Veterans Housing – The projected Veteran population is 21,973,000
nationwide. 1 Since the U.S. went to war in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, 2,444,000
members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and related Reserve and
National Guard units have been deployed in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, according to
Department of Defense data. 2 Between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014, a total of 658,147 of

1

Department of Veterans Affairs: Veteran Population Statistics at a Glance (as of 9/30/2013)
Source: Office of the Actuary, Veterans Population Projection Model
2
DoD Office of Deupty Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, “2011
Demographics: Profile of the Military Community”; Defense Manpower Data Center, “Contingency Tracking
System Deployment File”; V.A., “Veteran Population Projection Model 2011.”

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

[2]
OEF/OIF/OND Veterans accessed VA health care; 363,926 OEF/OIF/OND Veterans were
seen for potential PTSD at VA. 3
Michigan has the 3rd most Veterans in the Midwest at 672,213, including 17,294 Veterans in
Washtenaw County, according to recent census data. 4
According to the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Veterans Integrated Service Network 11
has engaged 37,874 through Homeless Services offered through seven medical centers; the VA
Ann Arbor Homeless Program served 20% of those Veterans. Additionally, 65,421 Veterans
were served in VAAAHS in 2014 reflecting a 15-county area of Michigan and Northwest
Ohio. In review of actual Veterans served by the Ann Arbor VA Homeless Program from 101-2013 to 9-30-2014, 1,011 Veterans were served representing 44 counties. Of Veterans who
were assessed for homeless services at the Ann Arbor in FY14, 70% were literally homeless.
“A Home for Everyone: A Blueprint to End Homelessness in Washtenaw County” outlines the
significant need in Washtenaw County to increase the stock of permanent, affordable housing
with supportive services for people at or below 30% of area median income. 5
Recent local discussion of homelessness in Ann Arbor reemphasizes the need for affordable
housing. As addressed by Mary Jo Callan, director of the Office of Community Development,
on November 6th 2014 at the Ann Arbor City Council, the solution to homelessness is
affordable housing as well as appropriate substance abuse and mental health treatment. 6
To support the need, there has been $1.6 billion invested in 2015 to end Veteran homelessness
in the United States. 7
Veterans Housing in the Midwest – There are a handful of examples of Veterans permanent
supportive housing projects in the Midwest. 8
- Piquette Square, Detroit MI – Built in 2010, Offers 150 units to Veterans 30% AMI
with Southwest Housing Solutions as the supportive service partner. 9
- Silver Star Phase I and II, Battle Creek MI – Built in 2009 and 2013, offers 75 and
101 units to Veterans 30% AMI with the VA Battle Creek Healthcare System as
support services partner. 10
3

US Department of Veterans Affairs, “Health Care Use by Gulf War & OEF/OIF/OND Veterans” October 1
2001 – September 30 2013 <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/epidemiology/reports/health-care-use-gulfwaroefoifond/>
4
United States Census Bureau State & County QuickFacts 2009 - 2013
5
Washtenaw Housing Alliance, “A Home for Everyone: A Blueprint to End Homelessness in Washtenaw
County.” September 21, 2004.
6
Stanton, Ryan. “Housing the homeless in Ann Arbor: Plan announced for expanded winter shelter programs”
mlive.com. < http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/11/homeless_ann_arbor.html > November
13th, 2014.
7
Fischer, Will. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Rental Assistance Helps More Than 340,000 Veterans
Afford Homes, but Large Unmet Needs Remain.” November 10th 2014. <http://www.cbpp.org/files/11-713hous.pdf>
8
National Housing Conference, “Veterans Permanent Supportive Housing Policy and Practice.”
<http://www.nhc.org/media/files/VeteransPermanentSupportiveHousing.pdf> May 2013.
9
Southwest Housing Solutions, “Piquette Square for Veterans” <http://www.swsol.org/piquette_square>

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

[3]
-

Hope Manor Phase I & II, Chicago IL – Built 2011 and 2012, offers 80 and 73 units
to Veterans 30-60% AMI with Volunteers of America as supportive service partner. 11
Veterans Manor, Milwaukee WI – Built in 2011, offers 52 units to Veterans 30-60%
AMI with Center for Veterans Issues as supportive service partner. 12
Lincoln Apartments, Indianapolis IN – Built in 2012, offers 75 units to Veterans 3060% AMI with Volunteers of America as supportive service partner. 13
The Commons at Garden Lake, Toledo Ohio – Opening July 2015 – Offers 75 units
with the American Church Residence with the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System as
supportive services.

Apartments within Ann Arbor with HUD-VASH Vouchers –
- 5 HUD-VASH Vouchers currently with Avalon Housing
- 10 HUD-VASH Vouchers with AAHC (Formerly Miller Manor)
Phase 1 – 80 one-bedroom apartments, 100% permanent supportive housing units
Veteran Target Population –
The Veteran population targeted will include either of the following categories as defined by
HUD and approved by the Homeless Emergency Assistance Rapid Transition to Housing
(HEARTH) Act of 2009.
Homeless [Category 1] – (1) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and
adequate nighttime residence, meaning:
(i) An individual or family with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private
place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for
human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station,
airport, or camping ground;
(ii) An individual or family living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter
designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters,
10

Aistars, Zinta. Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave. “Silver Star, medal of gallantry, is also a place vets call
home.” <http://swmichigan.secondwavemedia.com/features/silverstarhome0813.aspx> August 15, 2013.
Greene, Eric J. The Enquirer. “Silver Star to expand, take in more veterans.” <
http://archive.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20120611/NEWS01/306110020/Silver-Star-expand-take-moreveterans> June 11, 2012.
Kimura, Donnna. Affordable Housing Finance. “Homeless Vets Earn a Silver Star.”
<http://www.housingfinance.com/homeless-housing/homeless-vets-earn-a-silver-star.aspx> January 1st, 2010
11
Volunteers of America. Hope Manor Apartments < http://www.voaillinois.org/Featured-Highlights/HopeManor-Apartments-2.html>
Volunteers of America. Hope Manor II < http://www.voaillinois.org/Featured-Highlights/Hope-Manor-II.html>.
12
US Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Permanent Supportive Housing
at Veterans Manor.” <http://www.huduser.org/portal/casestudies/study_11282012_1.html>
Veterans Manor, Thomas H Wynn, Sr. Memorial. <http://www.veteransmanor.com/>
13
Lincoln Apartments <http://www.lincolnapt.net/>

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

[4]
transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or
by federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals); or
(iii) An individual who is exiting an institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less
and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation
immediately before entering that institution.
Special Needs – An adult person/prospective tenant with a physical (including profound
deafness and legally blind), mental or emotional impairment that is of long-term duration,
and, at the same time, the tenant must have a substantial and sustained need for supportive
services in order to successfully live independently. In order to meet the “special needs
definition,” tenants must require assistance in at least two life-skill areas, such as:
• Ability to independently meet personal care needs;
• Economic self-sufficiency (capacity for sustained and successful functioning in
vocational, learning or employment contexts);
• Use of language (ability to effectively understand, be understood and handle
communication as needed on a daily and ongoing basis);
• Instrumental living skills (managing money, getting around in the community,
grocery shopping, complying with prescription requirements, meal planning and
preparation, mobility, etc.), or
• Self-direction (making decisions/choices about one’s day-to-day activities and
regarding one’s future) or
The person is a recipient of SSI/SSDI.
Income targeting – 30% Average Median Income or $18,360 annual income for 1 person,
$21,000 for 2 persons (as defined by the “12/18/2013 Income and Rent limits for Washtenaw
County”).
Rent Schedule & Assistance – Propose that renters at 30% AMI annual income would
receive rental assistance to support a rental rate of $894, given availability of vouchers. The
rental rate is aligned with the amount defined in “MSHDA Payment Standards Effective
January 1st, 2015.” Rent includes $0 of utility allowance.
-

HUD-VASH Vouchers – Plan to seek a number of HUD-Veterans Affairs
Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services
provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). At this stage the number of
HUD-VASH Vouchers is to-be-determined and will be based on additional
coordination with appropriate stakeholders and availability given the timing of
project approval.

-

MSHDA Project-Based Vouchers – Plan to seek a number of project-based
vouchers to support permanent supportive housing units. At this stage the number
320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

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of project-based vouchers is to-be-determined and will be based on additional
coordination with appropriate stakeholders and availability given the timing of
project approval.
Utility Allowance – Landlord will pay for all utility expenses including heat, electric, water,
gas, sewer, trash, and air conditioning. The tenant will not be responsible for paying utilities.
- Removing the responsibility of covering utilities will alleviate the burden on the
target audience and therefore provide the tenant greater stability.
- Seek to incorporate energy-efficient building practices through Enterprise Green
Community Standards, DTE Energy Efficiency program, & geothermal heating &
cooling to lower ongoing utility costs.
Community Amenities – Phase 1 –
- Counseling & Office Space – The community will include office & counseling space
for the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System on-site support services staff. The space will
include services outlined in more detail in the supportive services’ comprehensive plan.
- Library – A library with books donated that can be maintained by a resident Veteran.
- Computer Space – Computers providing Veterans access to educational materials on
their Veterans benefits, employment & transportation opportunities.
- Fitness Center – Equipped with weight machines, treadmills, elliptical, & televisions.
- Movie Theater – Comfortable seating with a large-screen television with lighting ideal
for movie watching.
- Laundry Room Facility – A laundry room facility with washer and dryers.
- Elevators - The building will be equipped with elevator access.
- “One-Stop” Emergency Supply Center – Inventory might include toiletries, home
goods, good used and new clothing items, non-perishable food and non-edible items,
clothing donations such as winter coats as well as job interview attire.
- Therapeutic Gardening – Encouraging recovering Veterans to work in community
gardens help lift them out of depression, increase their self-esteem, and motivates them
to eat better. Gardens can also help educate the community about the importance of
local foods, serve as a social gathering spot to generate a stronger sense of community,
and provide a place for art & wellness activities.
Regional Location – This location along the Washtenaw Avenue corridor on the Northeast
corner of Pittsfield Township is the primary transportation corridor linking the City of Ann
Arbor with the City of Ypsilanti and supports the most productive bus route in Washtenaw
County.
In an article published on December 17th, 2014, Mary Jo Callan states as it relates to affordable
housing in Ann Arbor, “Washtenaw Avenue is key because it is the main corridor that
connects these four jurisdictions, and particularly, connects lots of the workforce to the jobs

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

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that are centered in Ann Arbor. It also has some great opportunities. It already has the most
robust transit in the county.” 14
This is a prime location for access to employment opportunities throughout Washtenaw
County. According to the Pittsfield Township Master Plan, 40.3% of respondents live in
Pittsfield Township because of the Township’s proximity to employment.
The project allows for easy access to the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System located at 2215
Fuller Road approximately 4.2 miles away and the Washtenaw County Veteran Affairs at 2155
Hogback Road 1.2 miles.
Ann Arbor is listed as an “Eligible Distressed Area, Updated May 22, 2014.”
Neighborhood Revitalization - Washtenaw Avenue Corridor – According to the 2010
Pittsfield Master Plan, “there is tremendous potential for economic revitalization along the
Washtenaw Avenue corridor as the township begins prioritizing infill and denser mixed-use
developments in areas with existing infrastructure and public amenities.”
This neighborhood was specifically selected as an area in Pittsfield Township prime for
development or redevelopment as dense, mixed-use development nodes. Since 2009, Pittsfield
Township has been engaged in a regional effort to revitalize the Washtenaw Avenue corridor.
Representatives from each of the four jurisdictions that the Avenue crosses through (City of
Ann Arbor, City of Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Township, and Ypsilanti Township) have been
meeting since early 2009 along with private, public and non-profit stakeholders including
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Washtenaw Area Transportation Study
(WATS), Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), and Ann Arbor SPARK. The
“Reimagine Washtenaw” project sees significant opportunities “to improve the environment
and promote infill development and redevelopment of the corridor in a mixed-use, transitoriented fashion with the potential to revitalize neighborhoods, increase social interaction and
pedestrian activity, expand economic opportunity, enhance safety and create the quality of
place that draws investment, visitors and residents. “
According to the 2015 IRS Section 42(d)(5)(B) Qualified Census Tracts, the location 4140 is
within the Qualified Census Tract.
History of Washtenaw Avenue Corridor – McKinley’s Investment – Ann Arbor Veterans
Village is located within the mixed-income Washtenaw Avenue corridor serving as an
important connector between the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area.
Within the Washtenaw Avenue Corridor, McKinley owns & operates 2,832 apartments,
98,899 square feet of retail, green space, as well as a swim and recreation facility. The
following is a history of McKinley’s investment in the Washtenaw Avenue Corridor.

14

Burg, Natalie. “Is Ann Arbor Affordable? No.” Concentrate Media.
<http://www.concentratemedia.com/features/AnnArboraffordable0308.aspx> Dec. 17, 2014

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

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1980’s Revitalization – In the 1980’s McKinley acquired Glencoe Hills on
Washtenaw Avenue, Golfside Lakes on Golfside Road, and Evergreen Apartments on
Packard Road, totaling 1,670 apartment homes. Evergreen Apartments in particular
suffered from high crime rates prior to takeover.
Health Facility Investment – In the late 1990’s, McKinley acquired and renovated the
Chippewa Club, a swim and fitness facility located on Golfside Road.
Retail Revitalization – In 2001, McKinley acquired Glencoe Crossing on Washtenaw
Avenue, an outdated and largely vacant shopping center with the two major tenants
Kroger and Office Depot going out of business. Upon takeover, McKinley renovated
the main buildings, constructed a drive-thru for Starbucks, and occupied the remainder
of the shopping center. Glencoe Crossing now includes Starbucks, Secretary of State,
Hertz, Armed Forces Recruit, Employment Plus, Ross Medical amongst 16 other
tenants.
Conservation Land Donation – As part of the acquisition of Glencoe Crossing,
McKinley acquired the 7.71 acre parcel (“Golfside Lakes Parcel”) behind the shopping
center, the 17.69-acre densely wooded area behind to create a nature area for residents
inbetween Glencoe Hills and Golfside Lakes.
In 2007, McKinley donated the 17.69 acre Conservation parcel to the Washtenaw Land
Trust, including the nature trails, densely wooded area along two small lakes. The
Land Trust ensures the land will remain protected.
Golfside Road Revitalization – In 2005 & 2006, The Villas, 382-units formerly Apple
Tree Apartments, and Aspen Chase, 780-units formerly International Apartments, were
crime-ridden, poorly managed and a substantial burden on public resources. McKinley
invested several millions in rehabilitating and stabilizing these two communities.
2014 Re-Investment in Washtenaw Avenue Corridor – In 2014, McKinley spent
$20 million to renovate owned apartment communities. Included as a major part of the
renovation were the communities at Golfside Road. Repairs included windows, gutters
and downspouts, concrete and asphalt repairs, patio and balcony repair and
replacements, exterior caulking, brickwork, vinyl siding repairs, roofing, water tanks,
A/C repairs, drywall, carpet replacements, interior door replacements, kitchen cabinet
replacements, range oven replacements, and exterior wood façade replacements.
New Construction – In 2014, McKinley began construction of Glencoe Oaks, 35
townhomes including 15 4-bedroom, 15 3-bedroom, and five 2-bedroom townhomes
all with two bathrooms. This development meets the need for 3 and 4 bedroom
apartments in the neighborhood.
Washtenaw Avenue Corridor – McKinley’s Neighborhood Partnerships

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

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Ann Arbor YMCA Free Swim Lessons – The Ann Arbor YMCA expanded its
offering of free swim and water safety classes to five McKinley apartment complexes.
Beginning in 2011, children 5-10 years old from The Villas, Aspen Chase, Golfside
Lake, Roundtree and Evergreen apartment complexes in Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township
and Pittsfield Township participated. Children from low-income households have
accidental drowning rates three times higher than that of their higher-income peer. In
2012, the YMCA received a $70,000 grant from the Michigan Department of
Community Health in support of its subsidized after school and summer programs for
underserved youth in the Ypsilanti and Willow Run communities.
POWER Inc. – People-Organized-Working-Evolving-Reaching is a non-profit
501(c)(3) Communication Development Corporation designed to serve the Washtenaw
County community through family supportive services, financial literacy, and
homeownership programs. McKinley partners with POWER in Ypsilanti to provide
services to residents, including family sponsorships and gift drives.
Friends In Deed– Provides low-income families in Washtenaw County unmet
emergency needs, including furniture/beds and transportation. McKinley partners with
Friends In Deed by furnishing apartment homes.
Salvation Army – McKinley partners with Salvation Army by donating unused
corporate business furniture to low-income families in need.
Food Gatherers – McKinley communities partner with Food Gatherers to help
families in need over the holiday seasons.
American Red Cross – McKinley partners with the American Red Cross to serve
residents in Washtenaw County through various programs.
McKinley’s Reach in Michigan & Veterans Served
In Michigan, McKinley owns & operates 6,087 apartments, including the following located in
the Washtenaw County region.
- East Side, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti - Aspen Chase, Evergreen, Glencoe Hills, Golfside
Lakes, the Villas.
- North Side, Ann Arbor –Medical Center Court, Traver Crossing, Traver Heights, and
Traver Ridge.
- West Side, Ann Arbor –Hillcrest Manor, Manchester Flats, Manchester West,
Meadowbrook Village, Park Place, and Spruce Knob.
- Ford Lake – Roundtree & Schooner Cove
Included with this portfolio, McKinley currently houses approximately 60 Veterans including
Glencoe Hills, Golfside Lakes, The Villas & Aspen Chase, according to an Ann Arbor VA
Health Care Official.

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

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Veteran Services Nearby –
- Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs – Located .9 miles from
Ann Arbor Veterans Village. Supports Veterans in filing claims for benefits from
Federal, State of Michigan and local governments that may result in disability
compensation, pension, financial assistance with housing, utilities, medical and
transportation, education, insurance, Home Loan Guarantees.
- VA Ann Arbor Health Care System – Serves homeless Veterans in Washtenaw
County as well as neighboring counties in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.
Transportation –
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Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority – Fixed-Route Service – The
Washtenaw Avenue route at the location of the proposed Ann Arbor Veterans
Village is the most productive bus route in Washtenaw County. Route 22 takes
riders to the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System on Fuller Road.

-

AAATA’s “MyRide” – Mobility management service that coordinates
transportation for individuals who cannot access or use fixed-route public
transportation. Service area includes Washtenaw County with origin or destination
beginning or ending in the Ann Arbor Urbanized Area. The service is available to
residents of Washtenaw County with low-income, persons with a disability, adults
65 years and older.
Trips for low-income residents are work-related including to and from job site,
interviews, job search, orientation, training, transportation for dependents to and
from daycare.
Anyone with a documented disability can also use MyRide for non-emergency
medical appointments, shopping, personal appointments, social/recreational
activities, and education.
Fare assistance is available based on income eligibility.
Service is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. The call center operates
Monday through Friday, 8am to 3:30pm, 4-7pm at 866-977-0423.
Low-income is determined by federal poverty guidelines.
Funding is provided via federal grants under the Job Access Reverse Commute
(JARC) and New Freedom programs.

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

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-

A-Ride (ADA/Disability Services) – American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
shared-ride, demand-responsive public transportation service for individuals with
disabilities who because of their disability are prevented from using the fixed-route
bus service. A-ride trips are provided in ramp-equipped buses, lift-equipped vans
and sedan types vehicles. To use the A-Ride service, individuals are required to
complete an application and fulfill the eligibility requirements.
o Service hours weekdays 6:30am-11:45pm, Saturdays 8am-7:45pm, Sundays
8am-6:30pm.
o Reservations may be made in advance up to 5pm the day prior. Advance
reservation phone lines are open 8am-5pm weekdays and weekends. Sameday reservations are available only within the Ann Arbor City limits.
o Door-to-door assistance: when requested in advance (or during your trip),
drivers may help riders who require assistance due to their disability. This
includes knocking on doors, ringing door bells, opening doors, carrying
items and assisting riders using wheelchairs. Drivers may not enter
building beyond the main door or foyer.

-

GoldRide – TheRide’s Shared-Ride Service for Seniors Age 65 or older
o Offers shared-ride trips in sedans and small buses available within the City
of Ann Arbor and Pittsfield township (including areas north of Ellsworth
Rd, west of Golfside Rd, south of Clark Rd and east of Maple Rd) to those
with a free Gold-Ride ID Card.
o Service hours are weekdays 6:30am-11:45pm, Saturdays 8am-7:45pm,
Sundays 8am to 6:30pm. Same-day and advanced trip reservations
possible. Door-to-door assistance as described in A-Ride Services.

-

Fare Deal Program – Helping persons with low income with reduced fare service
for any AAATA regular fixed-route bus. Eligibility include seniors 60-64 years
old, disability with valid verification, or low-income with valid Medicaid card.

Zoning –7.71 acres is zoned PUD, 1.95 acres is Form-Based (FB) Zoning District – Site Type
B. FB is required in the newly adopted Zoning Ordinance for Pittsfield Township in order to
be consistent with the master plan vision for creating higher density mixed-use development at
six identified focus development nodes. The Washtenaw Avenue District is one of the six
nodes identified in the Pittsfield Township Zoning Ordinance designated for creating higher
density mixed-use development.

320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452

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320 N. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (734) 769-8520 • Fax: (734) 769-0452