AUSTIN (KXAN) — Local leaders and developers gathered on Wednesday for the grand opening of an apartment complex that will serve as a “permanent supportive housing community” designed for people “[at] risk of or who have experienced chronic homelessness.”
The complex, named Espero Rutland, is in the 1900 block of Rutland Drive and has 171 furnished apartments. According to the release, “espero” translates from Spanish as “I hope.”
What happened to Austin’s $515M homelessness fundraising initiative?
“[Homeless Austinites] want nothing more than being in a home. It provides homes, it provides them a safe, decent, very respectful place for them to live and reintegrate into the community,” said Jo Kathryn Quinn, CEO of nonprofit Caritas of Austin . The group worked with The Vechino Group to develop the site.
According to a City of Austin Housing Department press release, Caritas of Austin will provide on-site social support services. Residents will also have access to “personalized support in housing, education, employment, food, and connection to mental and physical health services,” as well as case managers and peer support specialists.