City cuts ribbon on latest permanent supportive housing project

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Three years after it was originally purchased, new supportive housing is opening in north Austin.

City officials have officially cut the ribbon on the Bungalows at Century Park on Burnet Road, a 60-unit apartment community meant to specifically help single adults facing homelessness and those with disabilities.

Integral Care, which provides resources for people with mental health illnesses, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities, is in charge of running the project. Jeff Richardson, Integral Care's CEO, said that it's an ongoing problem in the city.

"We're in a community where affordable housing itself is a continued challenge. If you are struggling with mental health needs, you're way behind the eight ball." Richardson said. "Both access to care, and finding affordable housing and finding the support you need to continue that success is in huge demand here."

The building was originally the Texas Bungalows & Suites, a motel the city bought back in 2021 for $6.7 million dollars. Over the last three years, the city spent $4 million dollars renovating it, close to double the original budget.

It's the latest opening in the city's efforts to provide more permanent supportive housing, with other places like Pecan Gardens and Balcones Terrace also opening this year. The city said it hopes to have around 400 permanent supportive housing units by the end of the year and 1,200 by 2027.