• New 50-unit affordable housing project will provide 25 units of permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness, and an additional 25 units for disabled persons with a specific focus on veterans.   
• No resident will pay more than 30% of their monthly income on rent due to vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Detroit Housing Commission.  
• Project aligns with Mayor Sheffield’s commitment to creating affordable housing, and supporting vulnerable populations  

Mayor Mary Sheffield, along with developers, development partners and community members today celebrated the grand opening of Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village, a new $16 million affordable housing development designed to provide safe, stable, and supportive homes for veterans experiencing homelessness and residents with disabilities.

Located at 20129 Conner St, the development represents a critical investment in housing stability for Detroiters who have served our country—while also honoring the extraordinary legacy of Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the Army’s first African American general and a trailblazer who helped lay the foundation for the integration of the U.S. military.

Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village was developed specifically to support homeless veterans, providing high-quality, affordable housing paired with access to health care and supportive services. The property features 50 one-bedroom apartments. Half of the units will be used as permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness, with a specific focus on assisting veterans. The other 25 units will be for residents with disabilities.

"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.”  

“This development is about honoring service with action,” said Robert Beale, President of Premier Property Management “We’re delivering safe, affordable homes with real support—so veterans and residents with disabilities can live with stability, dignity, and pride.”     

Honoring a Legacy of Service and Courage

Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. was a career officer in the United States Army at a time when the nation—and the military—were deeply segregated. In 1940, he became the first African American general in the U.S. Army, a historic milestone achieved despite systemic racism and limited opportunities for Black officers.

A graduate of Howard University, Davis served with distinction in the Philippine-American War and World War I, and later with the renowned 9th Cavalry Regiment, known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Throughout his career, he played a critical role in advocating for policies that began the process of integrating the U.S. Army, helping demonstrate that soldiers of all races could serve together effectively in combat.

His legacy continued through his son, General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., commander of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen’s 332nd Fighter Group and the first Black four-star general in the U.S. Air Force—making the Davis family synonymous with courage, leadership, and progress in American military history. 

“It is critical that we ensure Michigan’s more than 486,000 veterans have a stable, safe place to call home, like Veteran Village,” said Terry J. Sabo, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “Even one veteran experiencing homelessness is one too many, and we owe it to those who served to stand by them during challenging times.”

Housing with Purpose

Project-based vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Detroit Housing Commission will guarantee that every resident will pay no more than 30% of their monthly income on rent.  

“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,” said MSHDA CEO and Executive Director, Amy Hovey. “Projects like this underscore the importance of public and private partnerships in addressing critical housing needs for veterans and the communities they call home.”

“Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village represents more than housing — it represents stability, dignity and opportunity for veterans who have served our country,” said Arthur Jemison, Executive Director of the Detroit Housing Commission. “This development is a strong example of how Project-Based Vouchers can be leveraged to support permanent supportive housing, reflecting our continued investment in Detroit’s future and our responsibility to honor those who have sacrificed by expanding access to safe, affordable homes and critical services.”

Building amenities include a media room, a dining room and kitchen, exercise room and an outdoor dog park exclusively for residents.  

The project was made possible through a strong public-private partnership including the City of Detroit, Communities of HOPE, Inc., Premier Property Management, Detroit Housing Commission, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, LISC Detroit, the Slavik Company and multiple financial and philanthropic partners.

"LISC Detroit was an early supporter of the Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village project by providing early-stage pre-development resources. This development will be transformative for our veteran community and will provide much needed wrap around services to those in need."

A Commitment to Those Who Served

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was an emotional moment for Quincy Allen, who will live at Benjamin O Davis Veterans Village. The Detroit native was 18 when he enlisted in the Army in 1989. He served two tours in Saudi Arabia in 1991 during the Gulf War as an E-4 Specialist. His tours ended in June of 1991, and he was discharged in November.  

Allen and several other veterans joined Volunteers of America last year to tour Benjamin O Davis Veterans Village. Allen was blown away by the space and is grateful that he now gets to call it home.  

“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 in Benjamin O Davis Veterans Village can visit dhcmi.org or call the Coordinated Assessment Model (CAM) hotline at (313) 305-0311.