PO Box 1711
Traverse City, MI 49685
Phone: 231-709-2704
PO Box 1711
Traverse City, MI 49685
Phone: 231-709-2704
Dann’s House began as StonesHouse, Inc. in 2005, bringing dignified and effective solutions to persistent community problems. StonesHouse helps individuals create a new path for themselves. The history of Dann’s House is one of compassion and vision.
The organization was founded by Greg Stone, a State-Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Certified Criminal Justice Professional. He has more than two decades of recovery and professional experience in the substance abuse field. Greg started this work to honor the memory of his father, Marvin Stone. Marvin spent his life advocating tirelessly on behalf of individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues.
StonesHouse established a Recovery Residence for men in Manistee in 2005. Its goal was to provide a vital step in a recovery path and help individuals learn to build a new way of life, free of alcohol and drugs. The Recovery Residence also assisted people in becoming productive and responsible members of the community. In 2012, a Recovery Residence for women was opened, also in Manistee. Both residences closed in 2015.
A new nonprofit, Northern Michigan Recovery Residences, was formed in 2016 to continue the work. Its mission is: “Helping communities develop recovery residences and supports by providing transitional and supportive housing for those recovering from substance use and their co-occurring disorders and often life controlling issues.”
In 2013, a group of dedicated community leaders came together in Traverse City to explore the feasibility of a project. They wanted to provide housing for people who had been experiencing chronic homelessness and who suffer from persistent, severe Alcohol Use Disorder. Working with law enforcement, Munson Medical Center, and Goodwill Street Outreach, they identified local individuals who would benefit from a place like Dann’s House.
An official Board of Directors was formed. Then, with funding from Rotary Charities, the Board undertook a comprehensive strategic planning process. After a diligent search for a suitable location, Dann’s House opened on August 1, 2014.
Members of StonesHouse Board, photo by Jan Michael Stump – Record-Eagle, August 2014
Startup funding was provided by the United Way of Northern Michigan and the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). MDCH granted funding because the Department recognized Dann’s House as an innovative project that could be replicated elsewhere in Michigan.
After a year of operations and extraordinary success, Dann’s House received a substantial grant from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
After two years of operations, Dann’s House has served 26 residents. Eight of those have moved on to independent housing, and six more are expected to do so soon. Five have reunited with their families. One died from cancer, safe and warm and free of pain. One moved into a nursing facility due to ongoing health issues that had been masked by his drinking. All have reduced their alcohol intake, thereby reducing the amount of harm done to themselves and the community.