CHFA is guided by its vision that everyone in Colorado will have the opportunity for housing stability and economic prosperity. For Coloradans experiencing homelessness, particularly those who have faced long-term or chronic homelessness, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is an evidence-based model shown to promote housing stability and positive long-term outcomes.
PSH combines affordable rental housing with voluntary onsite services and case management. In coordination with partner organizations, CHFA is proud to support the development of PSH through its allocation of state and federal Housing Tax Credits, as well as through lending programs that support the development of affordable multifamily rental housing, including PSH.
How PSH Addresses Homelessness
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Supportive Housing is rooted in the best practice and research-backed principle of Housing First, which is a response to homelessness that centers access to housing without barriers. Affordable and safe housing supports individuals and families exiting homelessness to address underlying factors that may have contributed to housing instability, such as mental health issues or addiction. The low-barrier and voluntary approach honors the dignity and autonomy of each individual while emphasizing and facilitating community and social inclusion.
Importantly, services provided in Permanent Supportive Housing are flexible and voluntary, meaning that residents do not need to receive or participate in services to become or remain a tenant at the property. Services available to residents may include tailored case management, substance abuse counseling and treatment, resource navigation, employment resources, as well as group and peer support opportunities. Services are delivered through the lens of trauma-informed care, which incorporates an understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals and populations receiving services. Relatedly, many PSH developments may also incorporate elements of trauma-informed design, which integrates certain elements into the development’s architectural and interior design that promote physical and mental well-being.
By combining affordable rents or rental assistance with voluntary services for residents, Permanent Supportive Housing has been shown to be effective in promoting housing stability for those previously experiencing chronic homelessness. PSH has also been shown to reduce public costs to judicial and law enforcement services as well as emergency healthcare services provided to those experiencing chronic homelessness.
CHFA’s Investment in PSH
As of December 31, 2023, CHFA has supported the development of more than 1,500 units of PSH across the state through the allocation of Housing Tax Credits. CHFA’s allocation of Housing Tax Credits is guided by the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) which includes a priority for developments supporting persons exiting homelessness.
CHFA also provides ongoing educational opportunities for developers of Permanent Supportive Housing as well as for service providers working with Coloradans who reside in PSH. For more than ten years CHFA has partnered with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing to sponsor a PSH Toolkit program to support outreach and education to stakeholders seeking solutions to homelessness. Additionally, through the chfareach program, an acronym which stands for “Research, Education and Assistance for Colorado Housing,” CHFA provides a variety of training opportunities that feature subject matter experts, including experienced service providers and affordable housing developers. Details on the chfareach program, including a calendar of upcoming classes, are available at chfainfo.com/chfareach.
Beyond its work to invest in affordable housing designed for those exiting homelessness, CHFA is proud to support nonprofit organizations throughout the state who are addressing homelessness in their communities. Organizations addressing homelessness provide critical services including emergency shelter, short-term and transitional housing, street outreach, and meals for unhoused Coloradans. Since 2021, CHFA has provided more than $1.3 million to over 70 organizations through grants and sponsorships whose work directly impacts people experiencing homelessness.
As homelessness continues to be a significant challenge across the state and in communities large and small, CHFA is committed to investing in solutions to provide housing for Coloradans experiencing homelessness, including housing that is paired with supportive services for Colorado’s most vulnerable populations.
This article was published in Colorado Real Estate Journal, Multifamily Properties Quarterly, February 2024.
