Espero Rutland is providing hope for people exiting homelessness in Austin, Texas. The development offers 171 studio apartments with wraparound services in an amenity-rich neighborhood. It opened in January; of the 171 individuals, 101 were located in encampments, cars, and bridges and housed within one week of completing the paperwork for the housing, according to developer The Vecino Group.
The developer partnered with Caritas of Austin, which provides personalized services, including housing, education, employment, food, and mental and physical health supports, to all residents. Residents also have 24/7 access to on-site support.
The name of the development is significant to both the residents and the developer’s mission, with espero meaning hope in Spanish.
“When we identified the branding of this property, the hope is that we can do our part to help end homelessness,” says Aaron Henry, The Vecino Group’s chief financial officer. “Our hope is that we can give others hope that they can move from homelessness and transition into a life where they are finding opportunity and transitioning back into society.”
According to The Vecino Group, Espero Rutland has decreased homelessness in Austin by 8%. Of the 171 units, 101 have project-based housing vouchers provided through the Housing Authority of the City of Austin and the city of Austin for those exiting chronic homelessness. The other 70 units are targeting individuals who are at risk of homelessness or doubled up without a permanent address with rapid re-housing.
In addition to the services, the developer developed an interior, protected courtyard for residents not quite ready to sleep in their units.
“The courtyard is a perfect example of a thoughtful approach to how we wanted to provide housing for this community and those transitioning out of homelessness,” says Henry. “Homeless individuals are used to living out in the open. What we wanted to do is provide them with a safe space and give them time to transition, if needed.”
Henry adds that the $36.2 million development also is blazing the trail for permanent supportive housing in Austin. It’s touted as the first 100% permanent supportive housing low-income housing tax credit development in the city.
