Supportive housing is affordable housing with onsite services that help formerly homeless, disabled tenants live in dignity in the community.
Supportive housing came into being in response to the homelessness crisis in New York City in the 1970s and is the most humane and cost-effective solution to ending homelessness for vulnerable people: individuals and families dealing with mental illness, trauma/abuse, addiction, and chronic illness including HIV/AIDS. Read about the pioneers who created the first supportive housing here. Read about the history of supportive housing here.
Supportive housing is permanent and affordable: All tenants hold leases and pay about a third of their income in rent. The residences are owned and operated by nonprofit organizations and are accountable to their city, state, and federal funders. Because supportive housing either replaces a blighted building or lot, it jump-starts neighborhood renewal. Because of front desk coverage 24/7 as well as security features, supportive housing frequently contributes to increased community safety. As a result, studies have shown that supportive housing increases property values. For more of the statistics, figures, and studies on why supportive housing is the most effective resolution to homelessness, please visit this page.
Below is a short slide show of the previously dilapidated sites and buildings that have been rehabilitated by supportive housing providers and transformed into buildings contributing to safer, revitalized, and more attractive communities throughout New York.
"Reclaiming SROs, Hotels & Historic Sites"
To see how others have reported on the supportive housing model and its successes in communities throughout New York, please visit our News page.