Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
The City of Austin has opened Pecan Gardens, a new permanent supportive housing community for seniors aged 55 and older who are exiting homelessness. This facility, located at 10813 Pecan Park Boulevard in District 6, is the result of transforming the former Candlewood Suites Hotel into 78 furnished studio apartments. The initiative began in May 2023 and aims to provide residents with various services such as case management, health assessments, and living skills coordination.
"The opening of Pecan Gardens creates a meaningful opportunity to provide stable and safe housing for our most vulnerable neighbors," said Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director of the Housing Department. She emphasized the importance of providing a foundation for residents to rebuild their lives in an area rich with amenities.
The property is owned by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) and managed by Family Eldercare. Residents were referred through the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) Coordinated Entry System. Each tenant receives a yearly lease and will not pay more than 30% of their income on rent; all utilities are included.
“At Family Eldercare, we are committed to a ‘housing first’ approach and believe that housing is a fundamental right,” said Dr. Aaron Alarcon, CEO of Family Eldercare. He noted that Pecan Gardens represents innovative solutions for housing challenges faced by Central Texas's aging population.
Pecan Gardens offers an outdoor space with lounging areas and gardens for residents to enjoy. The development includes an onsite clinic in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, which provides convenient healthcare access for residents.
“The City of Austin’s commitment in opening Pecan Gardens as permanent supportive housing represents a deep dedication to the safety and health of our community’s most vulnerable elders," stated Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray.
In addition to providing homes, this project received funding from several sources: $4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $2.695 million in General Obligation Bonds from 2022, and $3.9 million from Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA). AHFC ensures that all units receive support through the Local Housing Voucher Program.
For further information on homelessness or affordable housing resources in Austin, visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness or www.austintexas.gov/housing respectively.
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