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Last Post 3 days, 21 hours Ago


New Complex Addresses Homelessness Issue In Austin
Aug 13, 2008 | 2:22 PM
Category: News
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Anyone who has driven the streets of Austin has seen the tragic effects of homelessness in this beautiful city. According to a speech by Austin’s mayor, given at the opening of a new complex, specifically designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals in the city, there are more than 4,000 homeless people in the city and only 700 using the beds in shelters. Skyline Terrace has been put in place to meet the needs of some of these individuals.

Skyline Terrace is the third complex of its type in the city. The project was put together by Foundation Communities, Incorporated. Once a Ramada Inn, the 100 units in the building have been converted to permanent residences that can be rented by those who have financial challenges. The project has taken over two years to complete and has been funded by both public funds and private donations. 

These units are not the typical subsidized government rental. There are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for those who wish to rent these apartments. All residents must have some type of income and will pay rent that ranges between $373 and $498 a month. All units in Skyline Terrace are designed for single occupancy only.

Another benefit to Skyline Terrace is that it falls in line with the city’s green initiatives. The building has been upgraded to include solar power, an energy-efficient cooling system and many other environmentally friendly amenities. The benefits to the planet and the people of Austin definitely make this a project of note!

Hope that you enjoyed the post!

Joe Cline

Lost Creek Texas Real Estate | Pflugerville Texas MLS Listings | Long Canyon homes for sale

8 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 8
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BadMan read my blog
Aug 14, 2008 | 5:33 PM

So to stay in your complex a homeless person would have to have a minimum income of $1243 per month...

Something don't compute..
AustinRealEstate read my blog
Aug 14, 2008 | 5:45 PM

Here is a snippet from the Housing works 2008 Tour Guidebook.

"Skyline Terrace Residents Individuals who earn below $24,900 (50% MFI) comprise the residential make up of Skyline Terrace.

When Skyline Terrace is fully leased, it is statistically expected that half of residents have been homeless and 15 have been chronically homeless; and/or 60% of residents are disabled and 30% of residents are working.

Monthly Rent
Rents range from $373 to $498, with lower
rents for Passages residents.The Passages program is a collaboration of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, the Salvation Army and Foundation Communities. In the Passages program, 15 formerly homeless persons work intensively with a case manager to achieve financial independence and permanent, stable housing."

I don't think the rents are strict and perhaps there are some credits for those ultra low income folks.

Joe
BadMan read my blog
Aug 14, 2008 | 6:12 PM

Your original post says,
"These units are not the typical subsidized government rental. There are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for those who wish to rent these apartments. All residents must have some type of income and will pay rent that ranges between $373 and $498 a month. All units in Skyline Terrace are designed for single occupancy only".

It doesn't say anything about the "Passages" program.

I will check farther and get back to you..
BadMan read my blog
Aug 15, 2008 | 4:08 PM

So then only 85% of your residents will have to have an income of $1243 per month..

I don't think yall know what "Homeless" means.
Delusion read my blog view my photos
Aug 15, 2008 | 6:55 PM

This place is truly not designed for homeless since homeless, by definition, have no money for rent. Rather, this place is yet another 'low-income' complex designed to help those who can't or won't pay average rent in this city.
Nice idea for those who need it, yet please do not think (or say) this is a way to rid this city of its homeless population. It is not. It is merely a stop-gap to prevent future potential homelessness.
Delusion read my blog view my photos
Aug 15, 2008 | 7:00 PM

Wow. Talk about a misleading headline.
This complex is for those who have trouble paying their rent, not for the homeless. This is not something new, of course, since low-income housing has been around forever.
The homeless have no money and consequently cannot pay rent, so an apartment complex is the last thing to consider for them. If you (or anyone) must give them something, give them the means to be able to afford that housing. Otherwise this is just another feel-good plan to be taken advantage of by the same characters.
AustinRealEstate read my blog
Aug 15, 2008 | 9:10 PM

Hi Delusion,
I tend to think of things happening in this world at a slow gradual pace most of the time. While this complex may not be the answer to Austin's homelessness issue it certainly is a step in a good direction.

I think part of the purpose of the property is to help those teetering on the brink of homelessness to survive. If you can prevent a family on the edge from falling over you are in effect helping reduce the homelessness problem. What this complex gives these folks is that extra time to get a leg up, to get in a better situation, or to make whatever changes can help them be more stable.

I certainly think this community is a better use of development space and capital than having another $400/sq ft condo complex polluting the wonderful downtown skyline. While low income housing is not new, it's certainly not as prevalent as it could be. I laud the folks who work in making money and making a difference, however small it may seem in the grand scheme of things.

Joe
Delusion read my blog view my photos
Aug 16, 2008 | 10:53 AM

I agree.
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AustinRealEstate

I've lived in Texas for 9 years and love it. Austin, well Travis County, is the only place in Texas that I would live in. Being from New England, I tend to be middle of the road on politics with a slight lean to the left and a live and let live attitude on most issues. I sell real estate in Austin for my job. I like to take my dogs to the off lease parks, garden, read, surf the internet, and try new restaurants around town. Joe

Member Since: 5/14/2008


 

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