Kalrecovery breaks ground; new name unveiled
The Edison Community Partners team, left to right, Mara, Matt, Jason, Karly, and Tammi.
On April 14, 2026, what ended up being a perfect Michigan spring day, after years of planning and many ups and downs, Edison Community Partners were elated to break ground on the project long-known as Kalrecovery. While having Governor Gretchen Whitmer present to support the project was exciting and validating for all the hard work put in over the years, the most touching moment of the day was surely the unveiling of the new name.
Judge William J. Schma and Matt Hollander shake hands after the project’s name is unveiled.
Lead Developer Matt Hollander had a long-standing relationship with Judge Schma, the founder of Kalamazoo County’s Drug Treatment Court, the first of its kind in Michigan and among the first in the nation. Judge Schma was a trailblazer in recognizing that substance use disorders require specialized treatment and care for recovery to become a reality. Naming a project is never easy, and this one was no different. However, taking the opportunity to honor the man whose work, over a decades-long career, made a project like this possible just made sense. And thus, The William Schma House was named. Matt was able to bring Judge Schma on stage and unveil the name to him. It was a moment that brought tears to the eyes of the whole audience.
Governor Whitmer acknowledges that, “by investing in housing, treatment, and recovery supports, we’re creating pathways to stability for more Michiganders.”
CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA, Amy Hovey, congratulates the team on this milestone.Matt Hollander thanks the endless list of people and organizations who made this project possible.In addition to Governor Whitmer, other speakers included Amy Hovey from MSHDA, Phil Roos from EGLE, and Elizabeth Hertel from MDHHS. Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson congratulated the team on the years of hard work to reach this milestone. Mark McDaniel, President and CEO of Cinnaire, spoke about the efforts of both Matt and his father, Joe Hollander, in building and maintaining quality affordable housing in Kalamazoo and across Michigan for over 40 years. Judge Harvey Hoffman also spoke, emphasizing how important it is to keep investing in both housing and recovery.
CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA, Amy Hovey, congratulates the team.
The development will include 48 affordable units designed for individuals in recovery, especially those coming through Kalamazoo County’s Drug Treatment Court. What makes this type of permanent supportive housing stand out is the combination of housing and on-site services, which will be coordinated through ISK, such as therapy, case management, workforce support, and recovery coaching, helping bridge the gap after treatment.
Matt thanks the endless list of people and organizations that helped make this project possible.
Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Edison Community Partners and Hollander Development worked through rising costs and funding challenges, pulling together support from Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Opioid Settlement Funds, EGLE grants, and other local sources to make it happen. The City of Kalamazoo showed its support through HOME funds and an ARPA loan. Kalamazoo County awarded the project funds through the Housing Millage. Edison Community Partners is thankful to all partners, including Mercantile Bank, Mercantile Community Partners, and CPC. Collaboration and support from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and Cinnaire Solutions have also made this project possible.
Local and State level supporters of The William Schma House.
The project reflects a broader shift toward supporting recovery rather than penalizing it. With construction expected to wrap up in 2027, this is a big step forward for Kalamazoo and a strong example of what it looks like to invest in long-term recovery and second chances.
Special thanks to Southwest Michigan First for their support in setting up the event and for the photos used in this post.
