History of Hannan

    During its first five decades, the Foundation provided comprehensive lifetime assistance to hundreds of low-income seniors living in their own homes. Then in 1971, the Foundation built Hannan House, a four-story licensed home for the aged to provide an affordable living environment that promoted independence. In that same year, The John Scudder Foundation for Old People merged with the Hannan Foundation. Founded in 1925 from a bequest by John Scudder, its purpose was also to aid seniors. Since its 1931 incorporation, it has operated with the same board of trustees and staff as the Hannan Foundation.

        In 1993, the Hannan Foundation conducted a comprehensive study of Detroit seniors living in the central city. The results indicated that the single-room housing provided at Hannan House was no longer in emand. Instead, the study showed that access to services was a major problem for seniors. In response, and after consultation with senior service experts, the Foundation converted the Hannan House into a centralized location for seniors to access services to meet their medical, social, financial and housing needs. Today, the Foundation continues to initiate, operate and support a number of programs and services that positively impact seniors.