Cady Lofts: A New Chapter in Permanent Supportive Housing for Austin
This is a little more detail than on my LinkedIn post.
Sally Gaskin, president of SGI Ventures, emphasized the trauma-informed approach at Cady Lofts: “Permanent supportive housing is a much-needed tool to address homelessness. It addresses a critical need for long-term housing stability for those experiencing chronic homelessness, while providing much needed services for overall health and well-being”.
Who Lives at Cady Lofts?
Cady Lofts serves adults who are exiting chronic homelessness, with a focus on those who have physical or mental disabilities. Residents are selected through the Coordinated Entry System managed by ECHO, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals are prioritized for housing. This system, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), uses a community-wide assessment to match people experiencing homelessness with appropriate housing and services.
Income restrictions are structured to ensure deep affordability:
20% of units serve individuals earning 30% of the area median income (AMI) or below,
60% for those at 50% AMI or below,
20% for those at 60% AMI or below.
Each resident receives a dedicated housing voucher, ensuring they pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent-a crucial safeguard for those with little or no income.
A Trauma-Informed, Supportive Environment
Cady Lofts is designed around the principles of trauma-informed care and the Housing First model, which prioritizes stable housing as the foundation for recovery and self-sufficiency. The community offers a robust suite of wrap-around support services, all provided at no cost to residents:
Case management and individualized support from Family Endeavors Inc., the primary service provider.
Job training and employment assistance to help residents re-enter the workforce.
Health screenings and wellness programs to address both physical and mental health needs.
Benefits assistance to ensure residents can access available public resources.
Life skills classes in areas like cooking, nutrition, personal finance, and tax preparation.
On-site social events and community-building activities to foster a sense of belonging.
Volunteers of America-Texas manages the property, ensuring 24-hour onsite staff, controlled access, and a safe, supportive atmosphere for all residents.
Thoughtful Amenities and Sustainable Design
Cady Lofts is more than just a roof over one’s head. Each studio apartment is fully furnished and equipped with durable flooring, solid surface countertops, Energy Star-rated appliances, air conditioning, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.Residents have access to:
A library and computer center for learning and connectivity.
A community kitchen and outdoor courtyard for social gatherings and recreation.
Laundry facilities, a health and wellness center, and central case management offices.
Complimentary internet, bicycle parking, and on-site recycling.
Energy-efficient features throughout, including LED lighting, low-VOC paints, and provisions for future rooftop solar panels.
The building’s location offers excellent walkability and access to high-frequency transit, as well as proximity to the University of Texas at Austin, St. David’s Medical Center, and the Hancock Center’s shops and services.
Financing a $25 Million Community
Bringing Cady Lofts to life required a creative blend of public and private financing totaling $25 million. Key funding sources included:
$13.84 million in tax credit equity from the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.
A $1.08 million loan from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
A $7.2 million loan from the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC).
A $2 million construction loan from the Austin Community Foundation’s Housing Accelerator Fund.
Additional impact investments and permanent financing from partners like Cadence Bank.
This innovative financial structure enabled the acquisition of land, construction of high-quality housing, and the provision of extensive resident services-all while keeping rents deeply affordable.
A Model for Lasting Change
Cady Lofts stands as a testament to what’s possible when public agencies, private developers, nonprofits, and community organizations come together with a shared vision. The project is co-owned by SGI Ventures and AAHC, with design by Three Bar Architecture and construction by Skybeck Construction. Service provision, property management, and ongoing community engagement are all coordinated through a network of experienced partners, including Family Endeavors, Volunteers of America-Texas, and others.
As city officials and advocates noted at the grand opening, Cady Lofts is not just a building-it’s a turning point in Austin’s approach to homelessness. “We’re far from a perfect city, but I always say that we should be judged as a city on how we treat our most vulnerable communities,” said Councilmember Zo Qadri. With plans to expand PSH capacity citywide, Cady Lofts is a model for future developments that prioritize dignity, stability, and opportunity for all.
Resident Stories: A Place to Call Home
The impact of Cady Lofts is perhaps best captured by the words of its first residents. Sharon Simmons, who moved in after a decade of homelessness, shared, “I’d never been so happy in my life. I learned to actually live out of a backpack. Now I’m putting clothes on a coat hanger and living normally. I know we’re all just passing through, but this is home”.
Stories like Sharon’s underscore the transformative power of permanent supportive housing-not just in meeting basic needs, but in restoring hope, agency, and a sense of belonging.
Conclusion
Cady Lofts is a beacon of hope and innovation in Austin’s fight against homelessness. By combining deeply affordable, high-quality housing with comprehensive, person-centered support, it offers a pathway to stability and independence for those who need it most. As Austin continues to invest in permanent supportive housing, Cady Lofts sets a new standard for what compassionate, collaborative community development can achieve.
For those seeking help or interested in learning more about supportive housing and services in Austin, visit the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition at austinecho.org/gethelp.
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