Supportive housing combines non-time-limited affordable housing assistance with wrap-around supportive services for people experiencing homelessness who have a disabling condition.

Research shows that supportive housing not only resolves homelessness for an individual and increases housing stability, but also improves health and lowers public costs by reducing the use of publicly-funded crisis services, including shelters, hospitals, psychiatric centers, jails, and prisons.

People who meet the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of Homeless and Chronically Homeless could qualify for housing. The Garden Inn community will serve individuals and families who will mostly likely make less than 30% area median income (AMI), may be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Social Security (SS) or (TEXAS name for AFDC).

PSH programs typically follows a Tenant Selection Criteria that will implement criteria to qualify, including no violent felonies, manufacturing or distribution of an illegal drug convictions in the past three years, and no history of sex offender convictions ever.

The Tenant Selection Criteria will be low-barrier, and will accept persons making at or below 50% Area Median Income (AMI), less than good credit, non-violent misdemeanors, and meet the HUD definition of chronically homeless.

PSH programs will provide homes for individuals experiencing homelessness who are 18 years and older.

Yes, rent will be 30% of tenant income.

Yes, on-site services will be offered and will include Intensive Case Management (ICM) tailored to the individual needs of the tenant. Included in ICM are all services that support self-sufficiency such as health and wellness, financial stability, education and employment training, life-skills, family reunification, community building, and leadership.

A tenant can stay without a time restriction as long as they are able to follow the lease and house rules. Typically, a renewable lease is in place, just the same as any rental housing. It is not uncommon that persons in PSH stabilize and become self-sufficient over time and choose to move to other housing opportunities.

Persons living in PSH are expected to follow the lease and house rules of the building. When minor lease violations occur, property management works closely with the tenant’s case manager to resolve any housing stability issues quickly and efficiently. The property management and case management both work with the tenant to support them with resolving any challenges that could place them at risk of losing their housing. Although PSH offers additional supports for people to remain housed, it is also critical to mitigate any risks or liability to the building, other residents and the surrounding community. For this reason, there is a zero-tolerance policy for violence.

The property will be managed by a professional property management company who is experienced with working with the unsheltered population. Unique to PSH property management is that the property managers are trained to work closely with case management around resident retention, as well as communicate regularly with the tenants’ case managers. The result is that tenants are more likely to remain lease compliant, and should any issues arise, have the support in place to resolve such issues in a timely manner.

Typical PSH has overnight security, as well as a 24-hour desk clerk. Guest policies are usually also in place to make sure that tenant guests check-in at the front desk whenever they are visiting.

Yes, maintenance staffing will be assigned to the property to make repairs and maintain curb appeal.

Please check back for more information on the referral and application process.

Studies have shown that property values surrounding, and within 500 feet of supportive housing typically do not decrease and can show an increase of up to 5% over a period of 2-5 years after supportive housing is created.

There is no indication that supportive housing has any direct impact on crime rates provided there is consideration to size and quality property management. San Antonio will use evidence based best practices when developing PSH.

No, supportive housing is subsidized rental housing with services on-site. Residents hold an individual lease and are expected to uphold the lease and house rules, the same as typical rental housing.