Mayor Breaks Ground on Permanent Supportive Housing

Mayor Breaks Ground on Permanent Supportive Housing

Published on October 17, 2024

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, with federal and community representatives, today broke ground on Lincoln's first City-owned permanent supportive housing location at 802 "J" Street, one of the priority pillar projects she announced in her 2023 State of the City that will reduce chronic homelessness in Lincoln.

"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.

Permanent supportive housing combines affordable housing with supportive services. These services aim to build independent living and tenancy skills and connect chronically homeless residents with 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.

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the event were Peter Hind, Urban Development Department Director; Justin Schulz, BIC Construction Founding Partner; Topher Hansen, CenterPointe President and CEO; Kitty Amaya, HUD Nebraska Field Office Director; and City Councilmember Brodey Weber.

In September, the City selected BIC Construction as the general contractor for the project which was designed by Sinclair Hille. CenterPointe 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
• 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
• Off-street parking for 11 CenterPointe staff and visitors

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.

Hansen said CenterPointe operates more than 40 programs that will be available to apartment residents, such as mental health and substance use therapy, primary care services, psychiatric medication management, and pharmacy services.

"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," Hansen said.

Hind said the Urban Development Department operates a variety of programs that work together to support the creation and maintenance of affordable housing. This includes renovating existing housing through grants and loans, facilitating the construction of new housing through partnerships with local non-profits and developers, downpayment assistance for first time homebuyers, and support for those who are experiencing chronic homelessness.

The City's first permanent supportive housing effort incorporates trauma-informed design to meet the needs of its future residents, Hind said. The apartments feature architectural elements such as natural lighting, colors, materials and other components to promote mental wellness and stability.

"Everyone involved in this effort is united behind our shared goal - to create a permanent, supportive environment where individuals can thrive," Hind said. "We are creating more than just a structure; we're building a community rooted in dignity, stability, and opportunity for all. It represents our community's commitment to solving chronic homelessness with compassion and dignity to provide the long-term support needed for lasting change."

Weber said Lincoln is committed to reconnecting all of its neighbors with hope and opportunity, ensuring all are fully integrated into the community.

"Permanent supportive housing isn't just a solution for today's challenges; it's a long-term investment in the health, safety, and vitality of Lincoln - benefiting not only our downtown residents, but our business owners, visitors and, just as importantly our chronically homeless neighbors," Weber said.

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.

Amaya thanked State, City and community partners for their continued unified efforts to end homelessness.

"Permanent Supportive Housing funding is more than money: it is a center piece of the holistic way in which this housing with services allows its residents to become who they are meant to be," Amaya said.

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