FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, TX – Integral Care hosted an opening celebration event on November 1st at Bungalows at Century Park, a new 60-unit studio apartment community in North Austin for single adults experiencing chronic homelessness and a disabling condition in Travis County. Event speakers included Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, City of Austin Housing Strategy Officer David Gray, Housing and Community Development Officer at Austin Housing Finance Corp James May, Integral Care Practice Administrator, Housing and Healthcare for the Homeless Initiatives Kristi Kaiser, and Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson.
For people with mental health challenges, lack of stable housing can exacerbate symptoms. Bungalows at Century Park is based on Housing First, an evidence-based model that offers permanent supportive housing (PSH) to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, who also live with mental illness. They may also live with substance use disorder and/or other chronic health conditions. PSH is a type of affordable housing that includes ongoing support services, such as case management, primary and mental health care, substance use treatment and employment services. It is designed for individuals with disabilities who need housing assistance and ongoing support to live healthy, stable, independent lives in the community.
Bungalows at Century Park will have 24-hour onsite property management, onsite security and security cameras, a laundry facility and a food pantry. Resident support will include case management, counseling, peer support services, nursing, and supported employment.
“Housing is a critical component of support for people experiencing mental health challenges,” says Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson. “When people have a safe place to live and support services, recovery begins, and they can reach their full potential and contribute to their community. Integral Care is committed to providing housing and rehabilitation support as part of our system of care.”
To learn more about Bungalows at Century Park, visit Bungalows at Century Park – Integral Care.
ABOUT INTEGRAL CARE:
Integral Care improves the lives of adults and children living with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Travis County. Our services include a 24-hour helpline for anyone who needs immediate support, ongoing counseling to improve mental health, drug and alcohol treatment to help with recovery, and housing to regain health and independence. As the Local Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority, Integral Care has pioneered high-quality, community-based care since 1967, collaborating with partners to build a supportive network and combat mental health stigma in Austin.
To learn more about Integral Care, visit our website at: www.integralcare.org
ABOUT THE CITY OF AUSTIN HOUSING DEPARTMENT:
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debra Joiner, Director of Communications and Engagement, debra.joiner@integralcare.org
EVENT PHOTOS:
Exterior of the Bungalows at Century Park.
Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson speaks to attendees at the Bungalows at Century Park ribbon cutting.
On stage for the ribbon cutting, from left to right: Housing & Community Development Officer at Austin Housing Finance Corp, James May, Austin City Council Member for District 5, Ryan Alter, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, Practice Administrator for Housing and Healthcare for the Homeless Initiatives Kristi Kaiser, Terrace at Oak Springs resident Dedrick Callins, Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, and City of Austin Housing Strategy Officer David Gray.
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
