Supportive housing is a key solution in ending homelessness, providing the stability and support many people require to stabilize their lives. These community-based services offer permanent, affordable housing to vulnerable populations, such as the chronically homeless, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. In the city of Arlington, Texas, several supportive housing options are available, facilitated by state, federal, and non-profit organizations.
The following are various supportive housing options in Arlington, Texas:
Administered by the Arlington Housing Authority (AHA), public housing provides subsidized rental homes or apartments for low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. AHA owns and manages multiple complexes across the city. Eligibility is based on annual gross income, whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
This federal government program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides rental assistance to low-income families and individuals. The HCV program provides "tenant-based" rental assistance, allowing families to move to suitable apartments, single-family homes, or townhouses. The Arlington Housing Authority (AHA) manages the distribution of HCVs in Arlington.
Project-based vouchers are a part of the Section 8 HCV program. The difference is that PBVs are attached to specific units in privately-owned buildings. Occupants pay 30% of their income towards rent, while the HCV covers the rest. If individuals decide to move, they lose the subsidy.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) merges long-term rental assistance with supportive services. These services may include mental health assistance, substance abuse services, and independent living skills training. The objective of PSH is to support individuals with high levels of need to maintain stable, independent housing. PSH can utilize both HCV and PBV rental assistance models.
An initiative of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), this program offers tax credits to property owners who allocate a portion of their properties for low and moderate-income residents. The rents in these properties are typically lower than the market rate.
Several non-profit organizations provide supportive housing in Arlington. These include Mission Arlington, which provides transitional housing, and the Salvation Army, which offers emergency shelters, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. Another organization, Arlington Life Shelter, provides housing-focused case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The City of Arlington is working to combat homelessness by focusing on "Housing First" strategies that prioritize finding stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This approach recognizes that many underlying issues, such as health problems or job training, can be addressed more effectively once housing is secured.
Overall, Arlington offers various supportive housing options for those in need. With assistance from federal, state, and community-based organizations, individuals and families from all walks of life can find stability, security, and the opportunity to build a better future.
