City Council Approves Sunrise Lofts, which will Provide 89 Permanent Homes for Vulnerable Young Adults
Young adults, including those aging out of foster care who are currently at risk of or experiencing homelessness, will have a new home and community in Houston’s East End.
July 21, 2021 -- HOUSTON – Today, Houston City Council approved an investment of $1.5 million towards the acquisition of land and development of Sunrise Lofts, an 89-unit supportive housing development for young adults in the East End. Supportive housing developments focus on homelessness intervention by providing homes and on-site support such as training, workforce development, childcare, health care, and other services to residents.
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home of their own. Creating homes with equitable access to resources and opportunities is part and parcel to developing resilient neighborhoods,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “These homes are strategically located to have great access to downtown Houston, TSU, and UH in the Third Ward, and our many innovation hubs, where some of our greatest ideas are being incubated as we speak. Opportunities abound for the young people who will be able to live and thrive here.”
Sunrise Lofts, developed by the Tejano Center with nonprofit developer Covenant Community Capital, will serve young adults (18-25 years old) who are vulnerable or homeless, including youth aging out of foster care. With 87 studio, one- and two-bedroom units restricted based on income, the vast majority of the development will be affordable to low-income households. Young adults who are aging out of foster care benefit from a community that will help them avoid homelessness and acquire training and other services they may need to find stable jobs and a community for their future. Residents will have close access to public transportation, the Columbia Tap Rail to Trail, a grocery store, health center, library, and other services.
“This development will provide needed services to young people making the transition to adulthood without the traditional assistance of parents and broader community support,” said Ray Miller, Assistant Director in the Housing and Community Development Department. “By intervening early, the Tejano Center will help young Houstonians achieve independence through a stable job and an affordable home.”
The City of Houston’s investment of approximately $1.5 million in federal HOME Investment Partnership Program funds will be combined with funds from Harris County and additional funds from the Coalition for Supportive Housing, for a total development cost of almost $27 million. More information on HCD’s multifamily programs and guiding documents can be found at houstontx.gov/housing/multifamily.html.
The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) makes long-term investments to better the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will spend approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funding this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at www.houstontx.gov/housing.
