Broward Housing Solutions® today launched a new program, Senior Solutions, to provide permanent, safe and affordable housing for 17 chronically homeless individuals aged 55+ (and their family members) who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness and their families.  The nonprofit organization was awarded $348,921 from Broward County to launch and operate the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-funded permanent supportive housing program.

Those who are eligible for Senior Solutions’ apartments, located at scattered sites across the county through Broward Housing Solutions®’ landlord partnerships, will have the opportunity to live independently with subsidized rents of only 30 percent of their gross monthly income.  Supportive services, designed to maintain mental health stability and prevent future occurrences of homelessness, also will be provided.

“We have a proven track record with Broward County, having managed its Samaritan, Broward II and III programs, offering housing for 168 chronically homeless persons and their families for the past 8 years,” said Lisa A. Vecchi, CEO of Broward Housing Solutions®. “We’re proud of our leadership in this area and honored to be able to provide homes for so many formerly homeless individuals.”

With the addition of Senior Solutions, Broward Housing Solutions® now serves vulnerable populations in all age demographics, including individuals and their families, veterans, chronically homeless, and young adults aging out of foster care.  The $3.6 million nonprofit organization provides housing at 19 properties it owns and operates as well as through landlord partners across the county.  It currently provides housing for 339 residents, 83 percent of whom are formerly homeless. By housing the homeless, the organization estimates that approximately $838,420 in tax dollars is saved per year by preventing unnecessary hospital stays and $368,160 by preventing incarcerations, resulting in total annual taxpayer savings of $1.2M.

Broward Housing Solutions® (BHS®) is a certified housing development organization (CHDO).  It provides quality, permanent and affordable housing opportunities to meet the needs of lower income or homeless people with disabilities who also have a mental illness.  For more information, visit www.BrowardHousingSolutions.org, e-mail info@BrowardHousingSolutions.org or call 954-764-2800.