The Ann Arbor Housing Commission and Avalon Housing are hosting an open house and celebration for the redevelopment and reopening of Miller Manor on Thursday, June 23, 1–4 p.m. There will be guided tours from 1-4 p.m. and an opening ceremony in the community center at 2 p.m. Miller Manor is located at 727 Miller Ave. in Ann Arbor.Archived News Release: June 22, 2016 - The ceremony will include a presentation by AAHC Executive Director Jennifer Hall and Avalon Housing Executive Director Carole McCabe about the renovations and the partnership between the organizations to provide 24/7 services to over 60 previously homeless households currently living at Miller Manor. The tours will include tenant apartments, the art studio, library, commercial kitchen, offices and grounds. There will also be a separate mechanical tour of the heating, cooling and electrical systems, including a tour of the rooftop solar panels. Musical entertainment will be provided by Miller Manor tenants; and there will be refreshments served.
Parking is limited onsite; please park in the surrounding neighborhoods, as the parking lot will be reserved for elderly and physically challenged guests.
Permanent Supportive Housing for the Homeless
The AAHC is partnering with Avalon Housing to provide housing and services to homeless individuals and families. All of the apartments have a rent subsidy so that tenants pay 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities and HUD subsidizes the rest of the rent. In 2015, 53 chronically homeless individuals (including 15 vets) were housed at Miller. After one year, 47 (89 percent) were still housed at Miller (decline is due to death, incarceration and voluntary departure). The success of this program is due to the onsite 24/7 case management, eviction prevention and recovery services provided by Avalon Housing.
The primary goal of all services provided is to prevent evictions and increase the housing stability of at-risk tenants who have special needs. McCabe added, "Avalon is excited to be partnering with the AAHC on this innovative project. In one year, our Miller Manor services team has made a huge difference in helping tenants build a strong community and supporting their recovery."
Renovations and Funding
The AAHC completed over $30 million in renovations of 251 apartments for low-income households at five properties, including Miller Manor. Renovations included energy-efficient lighting, windows, heating and cooling systems, water saving devices and additional insulation. In addition, a 42KW solar array was installed on the roof of Miller Manor. These improvements lowered the energy bills for the Housing Commission's low-income tenants as well as the organization. "Most tenants' gas and electric bills decreased by over 25 percent. The Housing Commission's water and sewer bills decreased by over 30 percent", said Hall. "Cost savings such as these are critical for the operational solvency of the agency and the financial stability of our tenants."
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