Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird was joined by federal and community representatives Thursday morning, breaking ground on the first city-owned permanent supportive housing location at 802 “J” Street.
Permanent supportive housing combines affordable housing with supportive services, striving to build independent living and tenancy skills for chronically homeless residents. Tenants will have access to community-based healthcare, treatment, and employment opportunities.
Those considered “chronically homeless” are persons or families with a member that has a long-term disability and has been homeless for 12 months continuously or four times in the past three years.
“Studies show that when we invest in housing first approaches for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, we reduce emergency room visits, decrease involvement with the criminal justice system, and significantly improve overall health outcomes. These results not only benefit the individuals who find homes but also reduce costs for taxpayers in the long run. When we create housing for all, we strengthen the fabric of our community,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird.
CenterPointe, a local mental health and substance use treatment organization, will lead operations and manage services for the permanent supportive housing location.
The two-story, 15,000 square-foot building will include 24 single bed apartments with a shared laundry room, a secure entry lobby and reception area, common spaces for gathering (including a covered front porch, kitchen, yard and garden), secure offices and meeting space for the CenterPointe staff, and off-street parking for CenterPointe staff and visitors.
Rendering of Lincoln’s forthcoming Permanent Supportive Housing building. (Courtesy: City of Lincoln)
Referrals for admissions to the project will be exclusively from Lincoln’s Continuum of Care and the All Doors Lead Home coordinated entry system. The Lincoln Housing Authority is partnering with the City to provide Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to provide rent assistance.
Case managers, maintenance staff, and security personnel for the supportive services will be available to provide 24-hour staffing, seven days a week. Residents will also be able to access services including physical health, pharmacy, counseling, and crisis support at CenterPointe’s Campus for Health and Wellbeing, 2202 South 11th St.
“CenterPointe is proud to partner with the City of Lincoln on this permanent supportive housing project for people who are chronically unsheltered. More than just an apartment building, there are also people and programming that gives the residents an opportunity to step forward toward a healthy, independent life,” said CenterPointe President and CEO Topher Hansen.
The City’s first permanent supportive housing effort incorporates trauma-informed design to meet the needs of its future residents, said Urban Development Department Director Peter Hind. The apartments feature architectural elements such as natural lighting, colors, materials and other components to promote mental wellness and stability.
Construction of the apartment building is estimated to cost $5.2 million. The project is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Funding includes $4.1 million in HOME American Rescue Plan Act funds, and $1 million from State Department of Economic Development American Rescue Plan Act funds. A $292,253 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will assist with supportive services.