Project development partners Mariners Inn and Cinnaire Solutions celebrated the grand opening March 19 of The Anchor at Mariners Inn, a 65,500-square-foot facility that includes residential treatment and housing programs designed to expand critical services for metro Detroiters battling substance use disorder and homelessness.
Located at the corner of Cass Avenue and Ledyard Street in the District Detroit development, The Anchor marks a milestone in Mariners Inn’s 100-year history and its commitment to transforming lives. As of March 1, 2025, the apartments at The Anchor are fully occupied.
Speakers at the March 19 event included:
- Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit
- Liz Rademacher, LIHTC Allocations Manager, MSHDA
- Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President
- Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Detroit City Council Member, District 6
- Terra Linzner, Director of Homeless Services, City of Detroit
- David Sampson, CEO, Mariners Inn
- Dave Denomme, President, Mariners Inn Board of Trustees
- Christopher Laurent, President, Cinnaire Solutions
- Kate Levin-Markel, President, The McGregor Fund
- Kristen Senff, NEF
- Anna Shires, VP, Associate Director, Community Investment Outreach, FHLBI
- George Hubble, Mariners Resident
“Mariners Inn has been a cornerstone of recovery in Detroit for decades, and with The Anchor, they will be able to make an even greater impact on the lives of people who need the supportive services they offer,” said City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “With this beautiful new facility located in the heart of our sports and entertainment district, it not only strengthens our community’s support network but also reinforces our commitment to creating a Detroit for everyone.”
The $25.95 million project, which broke ground in late 2023, will double Mariners Inn’s capacity to serve Detroit residents in need, while also expanding services for women for the first time.
Residents began moving in as early as December 2024. The facility will offer housing, job training, medical and health services, therapy, career education, and more to help individuals in their recovery journey.
“The Anchor is more than just a building. It is a new chapter for our community, one that gives people a chance to break free from the cycle of addiction and homelessness,” said David Sampson, CEO of Mariners Inn. “This new facility will help us serve even more people and save even more lives, making a true difference in our community.”
The new facility features 40 fully furnished recovery housing apartments for individuals with substance use disorder and 44 permanent supportive housing units for those coming out of homelessness. Mariners provides a range of vital services such as private counseling rooms, therapy spaces, prevention programs and family support. Mariners Inn’s new medical and mental health clinic will offer holistic support to individuals on their path to recovery from substance use disorder.
“The development of The Anchor is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration between our partners and the community,” said Christopher Laurent, president of Cinnaire Solutions, co-developer with Mariners Inn on the project. “Our goal has always been to create an environment that fosters dignity and opportunity. The Anchor’s prominent locations, within walking distance of key employment hubs, will ensure that residents have access to both stable housing and the tools they need to thrive and, through its visibility, act as a beacon for those contemplating their own recovery.”
The facility also marks a transformative step for Mariners Inn by allowing the organization to serve women’s programs for the first time. Mariners Inn is repurposing its existing buildings to create new spaces, including a kitchen, cafeteria, and emergency shelter.
The $25.95 million project was made possible through a collaboration between public and private sectors, exemplifying the impact of public-private partnerships. The development was supported by the City of Detroit, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. Funding partners included National Equity Fund, Flagstar Bank, MASCO, and The McGregor Fund. The Anchor is a joint development project between Mariners Inn, Cinnaire Solutions, and Ethos Development Partners.
“The Anchor at Mariners Inn represents a powerful step forward in expanding access to stable housing and critical support services for Detroiters in need,” said Chad Benson, director of development at MSHDA. “By combining permanent supportive housing with recovery services, this project creates a vital pathway for individuals to rebuild their lives. We are proud to support this development through federal housing tax credits, ensuring more Detroit residents have access to safe, affordable homes and the resources they need to thrive.”
“This project embodies the exact type of housing that we want to invest in, providing a home and critical support to those that need it most, all while centered in the heart of this great city,” said Anna Shires, VP, Associate Director Community Investment Outreach.
As one of the area’s most respected recovery centers, Mariners Inn serves nearly 2,000 clients each year. Since 1925, Mariners has provided professional and compassionate substance-use treatment to homeless men, helping them regain their health, independence, and self-esteem.
“At National Equity Fund, we value working with partners who share in our mission and vision that increased access to affordable housing empowers every individual and family to reach their full potential,” said Kristen Senff, managing director central region at NEF. “The Anchor is a testament to what happens when partners committed to uplifting vulnerable communities come together through thoughtful collaboration. Now, those recovering from substance use disorders and homelessness not only have the opportunity to survive, but the ability to thrive in an environment that supports their growth and independence.”
“As board chairman I, along with the board of directors, am very proud of the new facility,” said Dave Denomme, Mariners Inn Board Chairperson. “Our goal was to remain not just in Detroit but at our present location. This new facility allows us to serve and help so many more people. I am proud to be part of Mariners.”
