The Residences at St. Matthew

A Fresh Start, Furnished with Care

Purpose can do more than transform buildings, it can restore hope and rebuild lives. On Detroit’s east side, a long-time vacant school has been reimagined into The Residences at St. Matthew, a permanent supportive housing community that goes beyond providing shelter. It offers renewal, stability, and a sense of belonging for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness.

Where there were once empty halls and classrooms, there are now 46 units of safe, affordable housing, creating a foundation for healing, growth, and community. NBS was honored to contribute to this impactful project, helping bring 25 thoughtfully designed studio and one-bedroom units to life. We curated furnishings that strike the ideal balance between durability and warmth, offering lasting comfort without compromising on quality. Every choice was made with longevity, wellbeing, and style in mind, allowing residents to truly feel at home from day one.

But our support didn’t stop at providing furniture. Facing a tight budget and urgent timeline, the project demanded speed, skill, and attention to detail to ensure the units were move-in ready as quickly as possible. NBS stepped in not just as a provider, but as a committed partner, offering design consultation, project management, and even cleaning kits to welcome residents. Our designers also conducted test fits to confirm code compliance and to maximize the space with intentional, efficient layouts.

With our deep experience supporting mission-driven organizations like Capuchin Soup Kitchen, NBS became a trusted collaborator in executing this vision. In partnership with the Interior Designers Coalition for Change (IDCFC), who provided the design services, Quinn Evans, and architect Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas Inc., we helped ensure every home reflected the highest standards of function, comfort, aesthetics, and above all, dignity.

“Without the help of the NBS team, we could not have completed this project on time or under budget,” explained Brother Fred Cabras, Capuchin Soup Kitchen. “The team worked hard to ensure that all the furniture quality and durability matched our needs. It has been a great honor to partner with this astounding team. With their support, we could offer 25 individuals and families new places to call home.”