Alpha House East Opens on Trinity Health Ann Arbor Campus with Support from Washtenaw County and State of Michigan

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Media Contact: Von Lozon
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von.lozon@trinity-health.org
 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Nov. 19, 2025) – Trinity Health Ann Arbor, in partnership with Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House, announced the opening of Alpha House East, a new temporary housing facility for families experiencing homelessness. Located in a renovated former nursing home on the hospital’s main campus, the facility significantly expands Washtenaw County’s capacity to support unhoused families.

The project was made possible through a combination of public investments, including a $1 million Legislative Enhancement Grant secured by Senator Jeff Irwin in the State of Michigan’s FY25 budget, and a recently approved $700,000 grant from the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. These funds supported critical renovations to transform the building into a safe, dignified, and supportive environment for families in need of housing.

“When governments, civic organizations, and individuals work together for the common good, we can make meaningful progress on really important and challenging issues,” said Alonzo Lewis, president of Trinity Health Ann Arbor, Livingston, Livonia, and Oakland hospitals. “I’m deeply grateful to Alpha House, Washtenaw County, and the State of Michigan, for stepping up to the plate to partner with us, and for supporting this vital community health need.”

Alpha House East offers 30 individual living units, each with a private bathroom and capacity for up to four beds. The location was selected for its proximity to major employers, educational institutions, and public transportation, all key factors that will help families overcome housing barriers while creating pathways to long-term stability and opportunity.

Trinity Health Ann Arbor identified housing insecurity as a top priority in its 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment. Demonstrating its commitment to community health, the hospital will retain ownership of the building and lease the space to Alpha House for just $1 per year.

“At a time when our most vulnerable and marginalized neighbors are having all of their safety nets removed and the numbers of families experiencing homelessness are steadily rising, and fast, to have an opportunity like this is nothing short of a miracle,” said Shonagh Taruza, executive director of Alpha House. “Trinity Health is truly living out its values and mission in a way that is exemplary, transformative, and inspirational. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners have stepped up to provide the funding to make this possible as protecting vulnerable families is a high priority for them. Thanks to these partnerships, we open our doors and welcome families in, out of the cold, into a loving and welcoming environment where they can work on rebuilding their lives with the support of our compassionate and dedicated team.”

Renovations of Alpha House East began in June 2025 and are estimated to cost $2 million, including upgrades to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and elevator systems.

“The opening of this family shelter is a testament to what’s possible when community partners come together with a shared purpose,” said Commissioner Katie Scott, chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. “The County’s investment in this project underscores our unwavering belief that no family should face homelessness alone. Together with Trinity Health and Alpha House, we are creating a place of hope, healing, and stability for parents and children working to rebuild their lives.”

Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Alpha House continue to work with community partners to secure additional funding for infrastructure costs and ongoing operations. Philanthropic support from individuals and organizations is welcomed to help sustain this vital initiative. For more information about how you can support this project, please contact the Trinity Health Southeast Michigan Office of Philanthropy at 734-712-4040.