Broward County Community Development

Affordable housing program: 1. Prevents homelessness: bhs affordable and supportive housing prevents low-income people from becoming homeless. Coupled with collaboration from Community behavioral health partners offering an array of support services encourages a permanent exodus from the streets. 2. Provides opportunity: bhs affordable and supportive housing provides low-income people a safe home where they are provided the tools for successful, long-term, independent living, achieving long-term self sufficiency. 3. Social benefit: bhs affordable housing for young adults addresses the immediate needs for long-term stability and productive citizens which produces significant social benefits and reduces substantial financial strains on our communities (taxpayers), such as incarceration, over- utilization of emergency rooms and substance abuse. Bhs currently serves 414-client tenants; 89% of tenants surveyed were homeless before moving into our housing programs; 98% of tenants experienced fewer hospitalizations since moving in to our units; 92- tenants we house are children under the age of 18 of which 100% are now residing in a stable environment; 94% have shown progress managing their medication; 98% have exhibited increased stability; 88% have had improvements to their overall health and 27% have augmented their income via employment and educational opportunities. While residing in bhs' affordable housing units, low-income or homeless people with a diagnosed mental illness have access to a variety of resources. These wrap-around supportive services encourage self-sufficiency and independent living. Housing specialists and case management teams connect residents to employment, volunteer, educational and healthcare opportunities, which promote safe, permanent and independent living opportunities.