 "Photo: Buddy Burkhalter")
Jen Thompson lived on the streets of Austin for five years. The 37-year-old suffers from bipolar disorder, and drug and alcohol abuse have loosened her ties with friends and family.
Thompson now pays less than $500 in rent for a spacious room and private bathroom with a clear view of downtown Austin and has access to self-help programs and a supportive community.
Thompson moved into Skyline Terrace a month ago. The complex is the third affordable efficiency apartment community created in Austin by Foundation Communities, a local nonprofit organization that provides housing opportunities for low-income families and individuals.
"4,000 people without homes are living in Austin. 700 sleep in shelters. Hundreds of homeless folks sleep on couches or cars," said Austin Mayor Will Wynn, who spoke at the grand opening of the complex Wednesday. "We need more places to help end chronic homelessness in Austin."
Residents also include disabled individuals and military veterans. Residents must have some kind of income to live in the complex: Rent ranges from $373 to $498 a month.
The complex, formerly a Ramada Inn, has been in the works for the last two and a half years, said Walter Moreau, executive director of Foundation Communities.
Skyline is the third facility of its kind founded in Austin by the organization. Public and private entities provide funding for the facilities.
Chris O'Neil, resident services coordinator with Foundation Communities, said that beyond providing affordable housing, the facility encourages self-sufficiency and personal development by offering additional services. Services include individual case management, life skills training, computer literacy, basic adult education, English-as-a-second-language classes, credit counseling, financial planning, employment counseling and job placement.
Skyline Terrace is also a sustainable, eco-friendly facility. The environmentally friendly features include solar electric power, energy-efficient air conditioners, water conservation efforts and building materials that offer healthy indoor air quality.
Larry Evans, a 60-year-old disabled man, lived with his 82-year-old aunt before moving to the complex.
"It's fantastic," he said. "This place has given me the chance to be out on my own and live free."
O'Neil said that as part of resident services, the complex's management tries to create a sense of community and encourage the residents to voice their suggestions for improvement at monthly meetings.
There are several lounges within the complex that provide residents with the opportunity to feel as if they are living in a community, Evans said.
"There are so many friendly people here, and they've all become my new friends," Evans said. "We are trying to get Bingo games started, and at nights we go up to the sixth floor and watch the city lights."
The multipurpose room boasts a window that almost spans the entire wall with a view of downtown Austin.
"God meant for me to be here. It just kept circling in and circling in, and I eventually ended up where I am supposed to be," Thompson said. "Everybody has a past, and living here shows that you don't have to keep living your past. Things can be learned and can slap you back to solid ground."
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