When the Capitol Area Homeless Alliance (CAHA) teamed up with Foundation Communities to open Garden Terrace, Austin's first and only Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program, a perfect union of business and service arose. CAHA, with its experience in providing assistance to the homeless, and Foundation Communities, with its history of affordable housing projects, bring to the program the different types of expertise necessary to accomplish such a development, and it demonstrates the true definition of partnership.

At the beginning, there was a realization that there was no single agency in Austin that possessed the track record and resources necessary to develop such an immense project. CAHA, the lead homeless service provider, needed assistance from an organization experienced in permanent affordable housing projects. Foundation Communities, whose mission is "creating housing where families succeed," was an unlikely match for the SRO because it is not designed as housing for families. However, according to Robin Bradford, Communications and Development Director of Foundation Communities, "Even though this is outside of our mission, it is certainly a step of faith for our board to recognize that it is so close to our mission. There was no one else that had the infrastructure to be able to do this."

A huge organization, with a multi-million dollar budget, great management and fund-raising experience, and an impressive construction and development history, Foundation Communities' role was to be one of mentor when the project first started. However, the two entities began to realize that their expertise came in vastly different areas, "…it was just too massive [for CAHA]. We began to realize that this was a role that we could play that was really vital in the community," Bradford stated. Thus, the relationship evolved, and through the transformation, the current partnership developed.

"We call ourselves the head and [CAHA] the heart," Bradford says with a laugh. "We do the business management end, and CAHA does all the resident and social services." Foundation Communities used its fund-raising experience to acquire much of the $4.5 million used to buy and renovate the 85-unit property that was once a nursing home. Aside from the HUD rental subsidies for 50 of the units, Garden Terrace is paid for by diverse funds including over $1.7 million from Austin Housing Finance Corporation, $1 million from TDHCA's Housing Tax Credit Program, $500,000 from Federal Home Loan Bank - Atlanta, $480,000 from Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, over $300,000 in charitable foundation donations, some monies from Travis County, individuals and some corporate grants. Foundation Communities owns and manages the property, "There were difficult moments, growing pains," admits Bradford, "figuring out who's going to do what piece, and we realized that Foundation Communities could take [the management] piece on because we had staff that could do it. But overall, everyone believed so much in the project that everyone was willing put their egos aside to make things happen."

CAHA provides social services to all the residents and eventually, it is anticipated that CAHA will take over management. "We're here, just collaborating to work in the best interest of all the clients," stated Ivy Albrecht, Resident and Social Services Manager for Garden Terrace. Although only 50 of the units are reserved specifically for transitioning homeless persons into permanent housing, resident and social services are available to all clients at Garden Terrace. Clients are usually case-managed at Caritas' Re-Entry Program, but the SRO Social Services staff will help each client voluntarily work out a service plan in which goals are outlined when s/he enters the SRO. Any assistance needed or ask for is given. "We provide assistance with anything from food stamps to health clinic referrals to bus passes to food and clothing," said Albrecht.

With a staff of only three, Albrecht herself and two AmeriCorps members, resident services remains busy offering Life Skills Training, cooking classes, Computer training (offered in the computer lab donated by Austin FreeNet), money management consultation, and help with job placement. Resident services also gets residents hooked up with MHMR, Austin Recovery (substance abuse rehabilitation), the local VA, Legal Aid for assistance in filling out SSI or SSDI paperwork. Albrecht stated also that in the future she hopes to invite job trainers to Garden Terrace to provide simple coaching on writing a resume or how to dress for an interview, etc. "We are basically a support network - convenient and in-house - so its easier for clients to get the help they need."

On August 7, 2003, Foundation Communities and the Capitol Area Homeless Alliance (CAHA) began accepting applications for their single room occupancy apartments at Garden Terrace, and November 4, 2003 boasted the grand opening of the SRO project. Each of the 85, furnished, 225 square-foot units includes furniture, a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave, and its own bathroom. The property is in a residential area of Austin and includes shared living areas, libraries, a computer lab, and a communal kitchen. The deposit for each apartment is $50, and CAHA has funds available to assist in paying it.

When asked whether or not Foundation Communities had any plans for future SROs, Bradford stated, "It is definitely burn-out time, and this is still really fresh - we've only been open since November. Let's see how this goes." But, for people like Jim, who was homeless for twelve years before living at Garden Terrace, this has been an opportunity of a lifetime. "I thought it was the greatest idea, and I am really thankful for all this. My friends down [at CAHA] said, 'you deserve this.' I wish more people could live here."

Garden Terrace currently has 68 residents, the 50 HUD units are full, and people are moving in every day. These two organizations have provided a lifeboat for people who are struggling to make ends meet, and it is a definite step in ending chronic homelessness for some of Austin's homeless.

For requirements and qualifying criteria or other information on Garden Terrace, please visit the property's website at www.gardenterrace.org or call (512) 447-2026, ext. 20.