It can take over two years to regain normal brain functionality after being addicted to opiates. Those who go through the criminal justice system often must complete a sobriety program, but it can be tough with negative influences still around them.
To combat those negative influences, Midland Area Community Foundation has awarded a grant to create affordable housing for people recovering from addiction. The funding would create 50 housing units, and help people overcome opioid addiction while working directly with Midland County courts and MiHOPE programs.
Mitch Milner is the president of Milner and Caringella, which is helping the nonprofit Andy’s Angels build the housing units. He said getting people experiencing addiction somewhere safe and away from negative influences will help with their recovery.
The project is the first of its kind in the nation, he said. The community will function like a normal apartment complex, with affordable rents and a lease. But to stay, you need to be sober.
“In Midland, Judge Michael Beale actually contacted us and said this is what he needs in Midland," he said. "That the people he’s working with—Midland residents—are facing tremendous odds staying sober after they get finished with drug court.”
Miller said the Midland complex is based on a model in Jackson, but the difference is that they work directly with the criminal justice system to get people finishing their sobriety sentences the support they need to stay sober.
Residents will be able to participate in healthy hobbies together, like music.
"We had more than a couple of people in that group say, ‘Well, we like playing music.’ What kind of music do you like to play? ‘We like beating on drums and electric guitars.’ And we thought, well that’s going to be hard to do in the building, so we literally are building our own garage," Miller said.
The Jackson complex has had almost no incidents and only one eviction, he said. But it helps residents not just with substance use, but also keeping custody of their children.
"I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to meet these families who—women who are reunited with their kids in this kind of a setting," Miller said. "I’ve had women tell me that they were at the end of their ropes, and they were, they for sure were going to die one way or the other not being with their kids."
The complex will offer affordable subsidized rent, but he said mentors who want to help residents can reside there for free. The complex is expected to be completed by 2024.
The Midland Area Community Foundation is a financial supporter of WCMU.