Saginaw Chippewa Supportive Housing Complex

The full Bodwé Professional Services portfolio of companies has been serving the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe in the planning and design a mixed-use, 16-unit apartment complex to provide individuals and their families with safe, affordable housing and assistance while recovering from substance abuse disorders. Together, the design team and the Tribe shaped the project to best serve its residents with immersive care to fully restore health, purpose and meaning in the lives of those who will inhabit the space.

Funded by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant, the supportive housing complex will offer affordable one- to three-bedroom apartment units. In addition, the complex will feature office space for supportive services, community laundry room, community kitchen, conference rooms and public restrooms. Outdoor space will include a playground, large stone firepit, basketball court and a 32-space parking lot.

The complex will offer individual and group therapy onsite and provide residents with access to nearby medical services. Our design approach reflects tribal belonging throughout so when residents are in therapy, sharing a meal or relaxing in private rooms they recognize their place in the larger tribal community, creating connections and lifelines that lead to lasting sobriety. Shared spaces allow for residents to interact with one another with opportunities to mingle, socialize, share meals and create a network of support and accountability for one another. The same applies to family members spending time in the complex.

Supporting a loved one in recovery can be challenging but purposely fostering interaction with and between family members can provide much-needed rapport and strength.

With the right infrastructure and planning, residents of the supportive housing complex can begin to establish routine, set healthy habits, connect to their tribal identities and regain their place within the wider community.