Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Dr. Ben Carson announces new federal initiative in Detroit

Detroit will be a test subject for a new incentive by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide a one-stop shop for people looking for federal services, HUD Secretary Ben Carson announced this week.

At the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan's Greater Futures Gala Wednesday evening and a followup tour of the club's NFL/YET Boys & Girls Club Dauch Campus Thursday morning, Carson announced the launch of the EnVision Center program to open physical locations for people to access HUD resources.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Detroit first of 10 pilot centers across country

Detroit will be host to the first of 10 pilot centers throughout the country, and Carson said the long-term goal is to foster public-private partnerships in communities to better connect low-income people with the resources they need.

In addition to the physical centers, HUD has also developed an EnVision Center mobile app to help HUD-assisted households.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Centers will focus on helping people "climb the ladders of success"

As part of the program, data will be collected on the results of the program's services, particularly focusing on where people are at when they come in and how they progress, Carson said Thursday. He's hoping the programs will eventually spread beyond the 10 pilot cities.

The centers "will give people the kinds of skills that will allow them to climb the ladders of success," Carson said.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Once up and running, the centers are expected to offer several types of services, including access to economic empowerment and job training, educational programs, health and wellness and participation in volunteer and mentoring opportunities.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Carson hopes it will help Detroit's comeback

Carson, a Detroit native, said he was involved in picking Detroit for the EnVision Center's launch and said he hopes the pilot program will contribute to the comeback of the city.

"When I think of places that I want to see succeed, Detroit is right at the top of that list," he said.

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Duggan pleased by Detroit focus

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who joined Carson on the tour of the facility, said he was pleased the Envision Center program would be pioneered in the city.

"What Dr. Carson has initiated with these Envision Centers is an opportunity for folks who have the talent, who have the drive, to be able to access...the services that will enable people to raise their standard of living," he said.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

In a statement, Gov. Rick Snyder also praised the program and its focus on Michigan.

"We have made connecting hard-working Michiganders with high-demand, high-wage careers in the professional trades a priority and I appreciate that my federal partners are doing the same with EnVision Centers," Snyder said.

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Having a little fun

While in Detroit, Carson stopped at one of the pool tables at the Boys & Girls Club Dauch Campus to play a quick game with his wife, Candy Carson.

Carson nearly won the game in one turn, but failed to pocket the eight ball on his first try. After his wife took a turn, he tried again and won the game.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

During his facility tour, Carson also looked at the gym, the arts and crafts room, the library and other recreation areas.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Carson was named HUD Secretary earlier this year

Carson is a retired neurosurgeon and became HUD secretary in March 2017. In 2016, he'd campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination.

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