FAMILIES FIRST SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

Families First Supportive Housing provides 21 units of safe, affordable, permanent supportive housing for single-parent families who are homeless and in recovery from drugs and alcohol.  While residing in Families First Support Housing, families receive a variety of services to assist them in becoming stable and self-sufficient.  Supportive Services include; in-home case management, primary health care, recovery support, parenting education, life skills training, youth enrichment and housing support.

Families First Supportive Housing is subsidized by St. Paul Public Housing Agency, under the Project Based Assistance program.  This means that the building itself is subsidized and while the family remains in Supportive Housing they pay only 30% of their household income for rent.  The remaining portion is paid by the St. Paul Public Housing Agency.  Although Families First Supportive Housing is permanent; after one year of residency, families become eligible for a Fair Market Section 8 Voucher.  This means if a family decides they are ready for mainstream housing options; they continue to pay only 30% of their household income for rent, as long as they continue to meet the requirements and income guidelines of the St. Paul Public Housing Agency.

In response to the large number of young parents who are currently homeless; Model Cities is planning the development of 16 units of Supportive Housing for young parents (ages 17–25) who are unable to remain in their current living environment and are in need of stable housing.  Support Services will include; a residential staff person, assistance with coordination of primary health care services, in-home case management, childcare assistance, parenting education, life skills training, and educational/vocational planning and training. The ultimate goal of the program is to reduce repeated episodes of homelessness and help young parents live healthy, productive and self-sufficient lives.

In response to the low home ownership rates in communities of color, specifically families below the 50% area median income; Model Cities in collaboration with Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation (ASANDC) is planning the development of a home ownership program.  This proposed project will site and acquire 5–10 problem properties that are vacant and/or in tax forfeiture and complete rehabilitation.  The housing will be leased to the family for up to 24 months, during which time, the heads of household will receive assistance in home ownership responsibilities, accessing government programs for home purchase, arranging financing, and basic training on household maintenance.