Broward Housing Solutions® was established in 1993 after a task force that included representatives from the Florida Department of Children and Families identified the critical need of affordable housing services for the low income residents in Broward County, FL struggling with mental illnesses.
Eligible clients must have a case manager who, after an assessment and determination of eligibility refers you to Broward Housing Solutions®. Partnerships and referrals are provided by community mental health providers with whom we are partnered: Archways, Pickett Fences, Care Resource, Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services, Henderson Behavioral Health, Chrysalis, and SOS Children’s Village
Eligible clients must have a case manager who, after an assessment and determination of eligibility refers you to Broward Housing Solutions®. Partnerships and referrals are provided by community mental health providers with whom we are partnered: Archways, Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services, Henderson Behavioral Health, Chrysalis, and SOS Children’s Village.
Affordable housing is the foundation of all Broward Housing Solutions® programs. While our various programs may have additional eligibility criteria, they are all built on this core principle.
At Broward Housing Solutions®, we serve low-income or homeless individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness. Tenants pay only 30% of their monthly income toward rent, ensuring they have enough remaining income to meet other basic needs such as food, healthcare, and transportation. The remaining 70% of the rental cost is covered by Broward Housing Solutions® through housing subsidies, making stable, independent living a reality for those we serve.
“Broward II” is a US Department of Housing and Urban Development funded program which provides homeless clients and their families an opportunity to rent an apartment anywhere in Broward County at only 30% of their monthly income. Clients do not need to receive case management prior to being enrolled into the program, it will be provided once enrolled.
“Youth Solutions” is a program that provides subsidiary aid to young adults aging out of foster care to prevent them from becoming homeless.
“Samaritan” is a Broward County funded program that serves chronically homeless single individuals. Candidates must be placed on the list by a case manager from an approved mental health agency. Candidates must also be willing to take a roommate in a two-bedroom apartment.
a) What is Severe and Persistent Mental Illness or SPMI? Severe and Persistent Mental Illness or SPMI is comprised of individuals suffering from severe cases of Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar disorders, and Major Depression. Each client must be diagnosed with a mental illness for us to serve them.
b) Do I have to be homeless or have extremely-low/low income? Yes, in order to receive subsidiary aid from Broward Housing Solutions® you need to be/have been homeless and have some form of income.
c) How does Broward Housing Solutions® classify homeless? Broward Housing Solutions® defines homelessness, in accordance with US Department of Housing and Urban Development, as; – Homeless: Any individual that stayed in location that is non-inhabitable by a human such as a shelter, transient house, their car, and/or on the street, to include victims of domestic violence. – Chronically homeless: Over a 3 year period any individual that stayed in location that is non-inhabitable by a human such as a shelter, transient house, their car, and/or on the street, to include victims of domestic violence, on at least 4 occasions and/or 365 consecutive days.
d) What can my max income be to classify as extremely-low/low income? According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the yearly total income for a single person cannot exceed $64,550 in order to be classified as low income.
a) What is the eligibility criteria for Broward II? Broward II Clients must be diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and must provide documentation of the diagnosis upon intake. Additionally, clients must meet the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of homelessness and provide verification of homelessness from a recognized Continuum of Care organization/agency.
b) Where will I be living once enrolled in the program? Under Broward II clients and their families will be placed in single/multi-family rental units anywhere within Broward County through a third party landlord.
c) Do I need case management prior receiving aid? No, for the Broward II program you do not need a case management referral. You will receive case management once enrolled into the program.
a) Do I have to be a veteran of the U.S Armed Forces? Yes, and you must have a copy of your DD214 showing an Honorable or General discharge.
b) Does the era of my service matter? No, Broward Housing Solutions® serves all veterans no matter when they served.
a) Do I need to have been in the foster care system? Yes, mentally ill young adults in danger of becoming homeless after exiting the foster system are eligible to enter the “Youth Solutions” program.
b) Does “Youth Solutions” have an age limit? Yes, “Youth Solutions” has age limits and they are 18-23.
a) What is the eligibility criteria for Samaritan? To be eligible for Samaritan, you must be chronically homeless before moving into a Broward Housing Solutions® owned rental unit.
b) Do I need case management prior receiving housing? Yes, every Samaritan client must have case management in order to be referred to the program.
Broward Housing Solutions® is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC). In addition to federal and state support, we rely on the generosity of private donors, charitable foundations, and community partners who share our commitment to providing safe, affordable, and permanent housing for individuals living with mental illness.
Every contribution, whether from a government agency, a local charity, or a compassionate individual, helps us continue our mission of ending homelessness and supporting mental wellness through housing. Volunteers and donors play a vital role in making our work possible.
If you would like to volunteer for one of our next events, please contact us.
