What is supportive housing?

Supportive housing links affordable housing to an array of supportive services. It is designed to enable residents maintain stable housing and optimize their ability to live as independently as possible in the community.

Who lives in supportive housing?

Supportive housing projects help many people in our community; the disabled, the elderly, the homeless and people with AIDS/HIV+. Many people with disabilities and/or other limitations often find themselves economically disadvantaged as well, if the disability or other impairment adversely affects their ability to secure and maintain gainful employment.

What kinds of services are provided in supportive housing?

The kinds of services provided at a supportive housing project vary depending on the needs of the residents. Services may include case management, linkage to other services including medical care, counseling, vocational training, meal service, housekeeping and/or independent living skills training. Projects serving families may offer childcare on-site as well. Services may be provided by the project owner, a social service provider associated with the project or others. They may be provided on-site or off-site.

How is supportive housing financed?

Supportive housing projects are financed by a combination of sources including without limitation bank loans, federal, state or local government agency grants or loans, tax exempt bonds, equity investors, foundation funds and/or other charitable donations. To raise enough capital and minimize debt service, multiple sources of funds are often required to finance supportive housing projects. Operating funds may also be needed for the management and maintenance of the project and the provision of support services. In addition to rental income and/or service fees from residents, many of the sources listed on this site may also be drawn upon to provide operating subsidies for their operations.

Are supportive housing residents good neighbors?

YES! Supportive housing residents are carefully screened. In addition to the screening procedures customarily undertaken, applicants to supportive housing projects are evaluated to determine the type and level of supportive services needed. This ensures the individual’s successful placement at the appropriate project and his/her ability to live independently given the support services and other amenities offered by the project. Explicit house rules, professional property management and an array of social service supports stand ready to respond to any resident difficulties or community concerns. Moreover, residents in supportive housing projects want to live in safe, well-maintained neighborhoods as everybody else does.

Will supportive housing cause traffic, noise, parking or other problems in the neighborhood?

NO! Residents in supportive housing projects are less likely to own cars for a variety of reasons. In addition, supportive housing developments must meet or exceed environmental, design and planning standards within the community in which they are located. Moreover, developers of supportive housing projects recognize the need to ensure the safety of their residents and the proximity to services. Attention to safety is crucial as supportive housing residents’ impairments may make them particularly vulnerable to criminal activity such as drug trafficking, theft or prostitution. Proximity to shopping and medical care along with access to public transportation is essential for the self-sufficiency of those unable to own, maintain and operate motor vehicles.

What about property values?

Research conducted by the State of California and other independent groups has documented that contemporary affordable housing has no impact on nearby property values. In some cases, it has been shown to actually improve property values. In any case, one would be hard pressed to distinguish most current affordable housing projects from their "market rate" neighbors.

How is supportive housing developed?

While supportive housing may be developed by a non-profit housing developer or a social service agency needing housing for their clientele, most supportive housing residences are developed by non-profit housing developers in partnership with non-profit service providers. Identified community needs, funding availability and local housing policies are all taken into consideration in the design, planning and construction of supportive housing. From these initial considerations, the development team develops an initial concept of the project, scouts out available sites on which to locate the project, researches potential funding sources and investigates a number of feasibility issues such as land use constraints, environmental impacts and community acceptance. A development proposal (complete with preliminary sketches, proposed development team and financing package, an outline of the population to be served) gets presented to various community members. These may include local neighborhood associations, civic leaders, potential lenders or sponsors and others. If the project is well received by the community, the developer will proceed in securing site control, preparing and submitting financing applications and engaging an architect to draft plans for review by the local planning and building departments. Input from members of the community is taken under advisement and incorporated into the plan through out the process (whenever feasible). Construction may begin after all necessary approvals have been secured.