A new $16 million affordable housing project, the Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village, has officially opened in Detroit. The development provides 50 one-bedroom apartments at 20129 Conner St., with half of the units reserved as permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness, particularly veterans. The remaining 25 units are designated for residents with disabilities.
Residents will not pay more than 30% of their monthly income on rent, thanks to vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the Detroit Housing Commission.
Mayor Mary Sheffield emphasized the project’s focus on supporting vulnerable populations: “A central focus of my administration is going to be investing in people, especially those who need the most support, and that’s exactly what Benjamin Davis Veterans Village is doing,” said Mayor Sheffield. “It tells our veterans and residents with disabilities, many who are struggling with being unsheltered that we are not going to forget about you. We are going to prioritize you.”
Robert Beale, President of Premier Property Management, stated: “This development is about honoring service with action. We’re delivering safe, affordable homes with real support—so veterans and residents with disabilities can live with stability, dignity, and pride.”
The village is named after Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., who became the first African American general in the U.S. Army in 1940 despite widespread segregation and limited opportunities for Black officers at that time. He played a key role in advocating for policies that led to military integration and served in several conflicts including World War I and the Philippine-American War.
His legacy was continued by his son, General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., commander of the Tuskegee Airmen’s 332nd Fighter Group and later the first Black four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.
Terry J. Sabo, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency said: “It is critical that we ensure Michigan’s more than 486,000 veterans have a stable, safe place to call home, like Veteran Village,” adding: “Even one veteran experiencing homelessness is one too many, and we owe it to those who served to stand by them during challenging times.”
Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA commented: “We’re proud to be a partner in bringing this development to life and to honor the service of Michigan’s veterans while supporting their future. Projects like this underscore the importance of public and private partnerships in addressing critical housing needs for veterans and the communities they call home.”
Arthur Jemison from Detroit Housing Commission said: “Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village represents more than housing — it represents stability, dignity and opportunity for veterans who have served our country.” He added: “This development is a strong example of how Project-Based Vouchers can be leveraged to support permanent supportive housing…”
Amenities at Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village include a media room, dining room with kitchen facilities, exercise room and an outdoor dog park exclusively for residents.
The project was made possible through collaboration among several organizations including Communities of HOPE Inc., Premier Property Management,Detroit Housing Commission, MSHDA,LISC Detroit, Slavik Company as well as financial partners.
“LISC Detroit was an early supporter of the Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village project by providing early-stage pre-development resources,” according to LISC Detroit representatives.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking its opening day Quincy Allen—a veteran who served two tours during Operation Desert Storm—shared his gratitude upon moving into his new home at Benjamin O Davis Veterans Village: “I want to thank every partner who helped bring Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village to life,” said Quincy Allen.“Knowing so many people cared enough to invest in veterans like me makes this place feel like home.”
Those interested can find further information or apply via dhcmi.org or by calling (313) 305-0311.
