Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with The SAFE Alliance d/b/a SAFE to provide permanent supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence, for an initial nine-month term, in an amount not to exceed $600,000, with four 12-month extension options, each in an amount not to exceed $600,000, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $3,000,000. Funding: $600,000 is available in the Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Social Services Budget. Funding for the remaining years of the agreement is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
De
Lead Department
Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $600,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Social Services Budget. Funding for future terms is contingent upon Council approval of future budgets.
For More Information:
David Gray, Homeless Strategies and Operations Officer, 512-974-7836; Christopher Anderson, Deputy Director, 512-974-4878; Kelechukwu Anyanwu Jr, Program Manager III, 512-972-5136; Estella Kirscht, Department Executive Assistant, 512-972-4423.
Additional Backup Information:
This action will authorize Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations (AHSO) to negotiate and execute an agreement with The SAFE Alliance beginning on January 1, 2026, with four 12-month extension options, each in an amount not to exceed $600,000, for a total agreement amount of $3,000,000 to provide permanent supportive housing (PSH) and supportive services.
Funding will support the delivery of services at The Sasha, a new, innovative housing development located on SAFE’s Grove Boulevard campus in southeast Austin. This five-story, 60-unit complex is designed to support survivors of family violence, individuals experiencing homelessness, and youth aging out of foster care. It offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartments to accommodate a range of household types, including individuals, couples, and single-parent families. The development features a trauma-informed design and on-site services such as case management, counseling, life-skills education, and legal advocacy, which are all aimed at creating a safe, stable environment for residents rebuilding their lives. The Sasha represents a crucial investment in ending cycles of violence and homelessness in the Austin community.
PSH is a critical resource for survivors of domestic violence who are facing homelessness or unstable housing. This model combines long-term housing with trauma-informed, wraparound services that emphasize safety, confidentiality, and recovery. Survivors often encounter barriers such as economic abuse, damaged credit, or ongoing safety threats-factors that can make traditional housing options unattainable. PSH addresses these challenges by providing a secure, supportive environment along with services like counseling, legal advocacy, and case management tailored to each survivor’s needs. This approach is essential for breaking the cycle of violence and fostering long-term stability.
If authorization of negotiation and execution of the agreement is not approved, it will limit AHSO’s ability to provide permanent supportive housing services to victims of domestic violence.