FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2024
AUSTIN, TX – Integral Care hosted a five-year anniversary celebration event on December 6th at its Terrace at Oak Springs permanent supportive housing community. The 50-unit apartment community was the first of its kind in Austin and its design was based on Housing First, an evidence-based homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life.
Event speakers included Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, Assistant City Manager Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Housing Authority of the City of Austin President and CEO Michael Gerber, City of Austin Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray, and Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson.
For people with mental health challenges, lack of stable housing can exacerbate symptoms. Permanent supportive housing 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. Terrace at Oak Springs offers 24-hour onsite property management, onsite security and security cameras, a laundry facility and a food pantry. Resident support includes case management, counseling, peer support services, nursing, and supported employment.
“Housing is a vital part of the support needed for individuals facing mental health challenges,” says Jeff Richardson, CEO of Integral Care. “When people have a secure place to call home along with the right support services, recovery can start, allowing them to achieve their full potential and contribute to their community. Integral Care is dedicated to offering both housing and rehabilitation support as an integral part of our care system.”
Terrace at Oak Springs has generated significant cost savings for the community. By providing stable housing and support services, the community has reduced emergency room visits, inpatient hospital stays, shelter usage, and law enforcement interactions. These cost savings demonstrate the long-term benefits of investing in permanent supportive housing.
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:
Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison
Travis County Judge Andy Brown in the audience
City of Austin Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
