The Ann Arbor Housing Commission (AAHC) partners with local housing, shelter and service providers to house homeless households. The AAHC takes part in
Housing Access of Washtenaw County (HAWC). HAWC provides a central intake process for households who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Please contact 734.961.1999 if you are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.
Continuum of Care
The
Washtenaw County Continuum of Care (CoC) manages the community’s policies, strategies, and activities toward ending homelessness. Please visit the county's website for information.
See also
additional resources.
Support Services and Housing
Permanent supportive housing provides affordable housing
and voluntary supportive services to meet the needs of those
experiencing chronic homelessness. This “housing first” model
provides housing without preconditions such as sobriety or
participation in treatment services. Support services are key for many low-income or formerly homeless individuals
and families to stay housed in affordable, healthy environments.
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, studies
show that Housing First reduces hospital visits and the length of hospital stays, and overall public system spending is reduced by nearly as much as is spent on housing. During 2020-2021 fiscal years, 91 percent of households living with the AAHC received support services during this period. Read the
full report here.
AAHC Resident Success Stories
(Names changed to protect confidentiality)
Joe, a formerly homeless resident in his early 20's, moved into an apartment owned by AAHC with Avalon as his service provider. Joe had little independent living skills, no income, and untreated mental health concerns. During his first year of tenancy, he faced challenges in maintaining his housing, leading to an eviction notice. Avalon was able to partner with Community Mental Health to get Joe the mental health services he needed. Avalon also helped Joe with getting approved for Social Security Income. Joe is now receiving treatment, and is no longer at risk of eviction. Every week, Avalon assists Joe in cleaning and organizing his apartment. Joe is now an important member of the community. He has successfully formed relationships with staff and some of the other residents in the building. He is making music, has been able to follow through on paying rent, and is no longer experiencing behavioral crisis.
Joe, AAHC Resident
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Julie, a formerly homeless mother with three children, was a victim of domestic violence. She was not open about her situation until after she developed rapport with her Avalon Housing Case Manager and disclosed to him what was going on. With Avalon and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission's support, she was able to move to another AAHC property for her safety. As a result of the support and advocacy from Avalon, she has now gotten a personal protection order against her assailant. Julie is now stably housed with her family intact.
Julie, AHC Resident
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Prior to living in her apartment owned by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, Jane struggled with housing instability due to her guest issues. Through the efforts of Avalon Housing, she was able to move into a furnished apartment. In this new setting, her unit is clean and well put together. She no longer struggles with guests putting her housing at risk. Jane struggles with complex health issues, but receives primary care through Avalon's partnership with Packard Health. This care has reduced her emergency room use. She is also engaged in treatment, which helps with her overall success in housing. Jane is also grateful for the onsite food pantry offered by Avalon in partnership with Food Gatherers.
Jane, AAHC Resident
