South Michigan News

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz has testified in support of a $5 million state grant for Andy’s Angels, an organization focused on helping people recover from substance use disorders. The funding request is part of the state budget process and aims to cover operational costs at Andy’s Place in Jackson, as well as help start new recovery housing projects in other parts of Michigan.

Schmaltz, who represents Jackson, spoke about the impact Andy’s Place has had since it opened in 2020. “Andy’s Place has changed lives and brought families back together,” said Schmaltz. “It gives people a second chance. The demand for this kind of program is overwhelming, and the success speaks for itself. It’s a model we need to expand across Michigan.”

Andy’s Place currently provides 50 furnished, rent-subsidized apartments for individuals and families referred through Michigan’s recovery courts. Residents are required to maintain sobriety under annual leases and have access to staff support, peer programs, and recovery services. The facility reports a relapse rate of less than 2%.

A recent legislative investment enabled the opening of Andy’s Place II, adding 26 more apartment units in Jackson.

If approved as part of the 2025-26 state budget, the proposed grant would help build additional facilities in Kalamazoo and Southfield while maintaining current operations in Jackson.

Mike Hirst founded Andy’s Angels after his son died from a heroin overdose in 2010. The group has gained national attention for its approach.

“We’ve put together something that nobody else in the entire country has,” Hirst said. “Michigan has led the way, and now other states are reaching out to learn how to replicate our success.

“If we want to break the cycle of generational poverty and substance abuse, we need more facilities like Andy’s Place. Some of these kids have never been exposed to a really nice apartment with a really nice playground, with no drug activity and no alcohol activity going on around them. That changes everything.”

Schmaltz said she plans to continue supporting the grant as lawmakers complete work on the state budget.