New East Austin Apartment Complex to House Homeless
Integral Care, the Local Mental Health Authority for Travis County, has partnered with the City of Austin to create Terrace at Oaks Springs, a 4-story, 40,000 sq. ft. apartment complex. This is a 50 resident complex to house homeless citizens, half of which will be veterans.
The building is currently under construction at 3000 Oak Springs Drive. The apartment community includes 50 fully furnished, single occupancy efficiency apartments with an integrated health care clinic onsite. Other features include onsite staffing 24 hours a day, laundromat, community garden, library with computers and internal and external security cameras.
This complex’s goal is to help those struggling with chronic homelessness with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Potential residents must complete a standard application and pass a criminal background check. Registered sex offenders and individuals with prior convictions for arson and meth production are not eligible for housing.
Permanent housing is the first step for the road to recovery for addicts. It is extremely difficult to recover from addiction or maintain mental health when living on the streets. This apartment complex serves as a health intervention for vulnerable citizens to help regain their independence.
Terrace at Oak Springs is not a homeless shelter. Residents will be required to sign leases and those that break the terms of their lease will face eviction. Applications to live at the complex will be accepted starting in April.
This complex is expected to open in May 2019. In January, Integral Care and the Austin Police Department held a town hall with community members to address local concerns. Integral Care has assured locals that being a good neighbor is of the upmost importance. Police have stated that if any crime rates spike in the area they will be addressed.
