What is Supportive Housing

Supportive housing is defined as permanent, affordable housing linked to services which provide low-income, disabled and formerly homeless people the help and support they need to stay housed and live more independent, healthy and fulfilling lives. Supportive housing has proven to be the single most effective and most cost-efficient way to reduce homelessness. It strengthens communities and helps integrate people with disabilities and other special needs into the life of their neighborhoods.

Supportive Housing and Cost

Study after study attest to the cost effectiveness of supportive housing. Not only is it significantly less expensive than the institutional alternatives that people experiencing homelessness or people with disabilities often cycle through – including shelters, institutions and hospitals – it ends tenants’ dependence on emergency services for healthcare and treatment.

Supportive Housing and Communities

Because supportive housing is, first and foremost, housing, it blends seamlessly into neighborhoods. Because providers often build on blighted blocks or rehabilitate unsightly buildings, supportive housing often paves the way for neighborhood renewal. Because supportive housing provides services to tenants and often features front-desk security, supportive housing often leads to improved community safety and lower crime rates. Supportive housing is run by locally based nonprofits that must be accountable and responsive to their communities to stay in operation. For these reasons, studies show that supportive housing does not decrease, and often increases, property values.

Supportive Housing and Tenants

Because supportive housing is designed to meet tenants’ needs, the people who live there thrive. Dozens of studies attest to the positive impacts of supportive housing: residents stay housed, get healthy and reconnect to the community.

• Good Housing. Good Neighbors 2009 (video)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Supportive Housing
• What is Supportive Housing? (NYC Power Point)
• What is Supportive Housing? (One Pager)

Help Us Develop Safe and Affordable Supportive Housing

The African American Planning Commission is committed to developing safe, clean, affordable permanent and supportive housing for all New Yorkers and beyond. To accomplish this, we solicit funds from City, State and Federal government agencies to help fund all initial capital development costs associated with project development. We rely on individuals like YOU, on foundations, and on corporations to help us fund program implementation and for ongoing operational support. We ask for your generous financial support to help sustain our efforts.

AAPCI believes in the fundamental principle that housing alone is not enough to end homelessness. Many families across America need more than just a roof over their heads. In the spirit of this principle, AAPCI offers a comprehensive array of supportive services to all resident households designed to help families and individuals move toward independence and self-reliance.

All AAPCI programs are augmented with appropriate on- and off-site supportive services,  including: crisis case management, parenting skills training, child care services, counseling services, housing placement assistance, job readiness services, employment placement services, safety/security, men and women’s support groups, and family support services. Additional supportive services include: a continuum of high quality recreational, vocational, cultural and social activities for children of all ages — preschoolers through teens. We also offer services and support to parents and guardians which help their children and families learn and grow intellectually, emotionally and physically.

AAPCI manages all the buildings it owns and/or has developed. In addition to providing community-based property management which is sensitive and responsive to the local neighborhood, AAPCI offers additional services to clients/tenants through its case management services department. Property Managers, Residence Managers, Family Care Monitors and Community Organizers assist residents in establishing active resident associations, combat crime, and secure repairs.

If you would like to make a donation towards our housing development campaign, we invite you to make an online donation (in any amount you wish) or you may mail your donation to the address listed below.

African American Planning Commission, Inc.
Development Dept.
630 Flushing Avenue,
Mail Box 19
Brooklyn, NY 11206-5026

Be sure to enclose your check and please; never, send cash or currency through the mail.

Contributions to the African American Planning Commission, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes. On behalf of those who rely upon our services, we thank you for your support, donation and generosity.