How to Develop & Sustain Veterans Permanent Supportive Housing

Title:
How to Develop & Sustain Veterans Permanent Supportive Housing
Author:
Ethan Handelman, Sarah Jawaid, Maya Brennan
Source:
Publication Date:
May 2013
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As the nation focuses on ending veteran homelessness, permanent supportive housing will play a major role. What should developers, policymakers, and advocates know to increase the success of these complex transactions? Veterans Permanent Supportive Housing: Policy and Practice highlights the three crucial components to veterans permanent supportive housing:

  1. Property-based rental assistance, since rent levels are unlikely to cover operating expenses.
  2. Little to no hard debt, since revenue is also unlikely to cover mortgage payments.
  3. Dedicated supportive services funding, to ensure capital providers that the supportive service plan is sustainable over time.

The report describes the current policies and programs that support these developments and recommends policy changes to reduce the obstacles to development.

Brief case studies cover financing, service offerings, and challenges of four developments:

  • Hope Manor Apartments in Chicago, IL;
  • Silver Star Apartments I in Battle Creek, MI;
  • New Directions Sepulveda I and II in Los Angeles, CA; and
  • American Legion Apartments in Jewett City, CT.