Affordable housing development set to break ground in Ypsi

Ann Arbor-based nonprofit affordable housing developer Avalon Housing will break ground this week on its first development in Ypsilanti, located at 206 N. Washington St. The project, which secured funding in June, is the first to be completed under the city’s 2018 Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO).

“In our experience, a home is the first step toward stability after homelessness, but it is often far from the last step,” says Scott Ellis, Avalon Housing’s director of mission advancement. “Alleviating homelessness in this county all starts with the recognition that there’s a shortage of affordable and supportive housing, and succeeds when that recognition is translated to action.”

The new development will feature 22 one-bedroom units, with eight of those units set aside for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. All residents will have “access to support services such as case management, crisis support and medical care to help overcome any challenges they face in staying housed,” according to Avalon’s website. 

The project expands Avalon’s footprint beyond Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Dexter, strengthening its countywide approach to addressing homelessness. Avalon leaders say the new site reflects both the urgent need for supportive housing and the importance of spreading resources equitably across Washtenaw County. Ellis notes that, while this project is a key step, broader investment will be needed to meet the full scope of the challenge.

“Homelessness is a countywide issue, and providing housing and support to everyone in need will require investments in all parts of the county,” he says. “With this project, we now have properties in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, and Ypsilanti, and we’ll continue to look for sites around the county to provide permanent supportive housing.”

The CBO required Avalon to engage deeply with Ypsi residents throughout the planning process. Ellis says that created more opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, helping ensure that the development reflects community priorities and needs.

“Along with providing neighbors regular updates about the project’s construction, we held community meetings beforehand to let neighbors know more about the project and ways they could get involved with Avalon’s mission,” Ellis says. “Our projects are most successful in places where everyone buys in and participates, including local units of government, local service organizations, and the community at large.”

With construction starting this week, Avalon staff hope to open the development to residents by the end of 2026. You can keep up to date with development at 206 N. Washington and other Avalon projects by visiting avalonhousing.org. 

“This project joins other nonprofits and local businesses who have already been investing in Ypsilanti over the years,” Ellis says. “Our hope is that others will see our success and use it as an example.”