The City of Austin Housing Department is celebrating the opening of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation's (AHFC) first permanent supportive housing community, Espero Rutland. Located in District 4 at 1934 Rutland Drive, the development is already accepting applications and welcoming residents. It features 171 furnished studio apartments designed to house residents at risk of or who have experienced chronic homelessness.
Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department, expressed her pride in helping 171 households have a place to call home. She thanked all the partners involved in making Espero a reality and emphasized the importance of increasing affordable housing for vulnerable individuals and families.
Espero Rutland was developed in collaboration with The Vecino Group and Caritas of Austin. The funding for the project came from various sources, including private activity bonds issued by AHFC, loans from Citi and Boston Financial, and financing from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.
Jo Kathryn Quinn, President & CEO of Caritas of Austin, highlighted the significance of Espero Rutland in providing much-needed affordable housing for unhoused neighbors and addressing the growing issue of homelessness in the community. She acknowledged that housing is the critical first step in helping people rebuild their well-being.
The City and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin have dedicated project-based vouchers to support the operation of Espero Rutland. The development includes trauma-informed design and on-site supportive services provided by Caritas of Austin. The Housing Authority of the City of Austin has also provided project-based vouchers, ensuring rental assistance for 25 chronically homeless veterans and 25 other homeless neighbors over the next 20 years.
Michael Gerber, CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, expressed his pride in partnering with Caritas, the City of Austin, and other community partners on this important development. He emphasized the positive impact Espero Rutland will have on the lives of homeless veterans and neighbors.
Espero Rutland is a multi-story building with efficiency apartments, individual kitchens and bathrooms, and soothing indoor and outdoor amenities. Rick Manzardo, CEO of Vecino Group, commended the collaboration between the public and private sectors in making Espero Rutland possible. He expressed hope that this development would serve as a model for other communities.
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation thanked all the partners involved in the development of Espero Rutland. The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin.
Caritas of Austin believes that stable housing is essential for individuals to realize their full potential and contribute to the community. The Vecino Group is dedicated to development projects that address community issues and make a positive impact.
Espero Rutland is a significant achievement for the City of Austin and a step towards addressing homelessness and providing affordable housing for vulnerable individuals and families.