AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) celebrate the groundbreaking of The Sasha, a 60-unit supportive housing community for victims of family violence. The site will be owned by The SAFE Alliance (SAFE) Affordable Housing Corporation and developed in partnership with DMA Development Company. Construction will begin in Spring 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2027. 

"We are dedicated to providing every resident with a safe and stable home. The Sasha is a critical step in meeting the needs of our community's most vulnerable residents—survivors of family violence who are experiencing homelessness," said Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department. "Through partnerships and strategic investments, we are proud to support this development, which will provide housing and the supportive services necessary for long-term stability and healing."

The Sasha, located at 1325 Grove Boulevard in District 3 on the SAFE Alliance campus, will comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom units — 30 permanent supportive housing units and 30 transitional supportive housing units. All 60 units at the southeast Austin multi-family rental development will be available between 30% and 50% of the median family income (MFI). The property is located within ½ mile of the Riverside Drive Mobility & Activity Corridor and Riverside Station Activity Center and 1/4 mile of high-frequency transit service in close walking proximity to multiple bus stops. 

Left to right: Worley Barker (Texas Capital Bank), Cody Campbell (TDHCA), Michael Gerber (HACA), Mandy DeMayo (Housing Department), Mayor Kirk Watson (City of Austin), Julia Spann (SAFE), Council Member José Velásquez (City of Austin), Michael Simons (SAFE HFC), Janine Sisak (DMA), Andrew Sinnott (DMA)

The impact 

"There aren’t similar resources in the community that provide a continuum of care from transitional to permanent supportive housing for survivors of violence and abuse. The Sasha's 2 and 3-bedroom units will keep families together, safe and provide them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives after experiencing violence. It truly fills a gap for survivors,” said Julia Spann, CEO of SAFE. “Housing is violence prevention. Without housing, survivors are forced back into dangerous situations. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. SAFE is grateful to Enterprise, the City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Housing Authority of the City of Austin, Austin Community Foundation, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Texas Capital Bank for capital and operating funds for this critically needed apartment community, the Sasha."   

SAFE works to address and end multigenerational cycles of violence and abuse, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, and family violence. This development will support individuals and small families transitioning out of homelessness, persons at risk of homelessness, persons who are fleeing or homeless as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking, or individuals who are aging out of the foster care system with transitional and permanent supportive housing. Violence and abuse can affect anyone. For more information, visit safeaustin.org. 

Rendering of The Sasha on the development site.

Development funding

The Sasha received a $8.495 million loan from the City of Austin’s Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) Program and a $2 million construction loan at a 2.5% rate with a 2-year term through the Austin Community Foundation’s Housing Accelerator Loan Fund. The development also received $4,679,517 from the 2022 General Obligation Bonds and $3,815,483 from Project Connect funding. Additionally, the site will utilize the City’s Affordability Unlocked Program, S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program, and 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).  

The site was one of two applicants to receive 9% LIHTC in 2023 and was among the first distributions of the 2022 GO Bonds. LIHTC allows housing developers to sell federal tax credits to eligible investors who provide much-needed equity for building low-income rental housing developments. LIHTC is a federal program enabled by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) and allocated to each state. In Texas, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) administers tax credits. For more information about the developers and to review development project applications, visit www.austintexas.gov/page/current-applications. 

About the City of Austin Housing Department

The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing solutions, community development, and displacement prevention services to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.

About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation

The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) was created as a public, non-profit corporation and instrumentality of the City of Austin. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin. 

About The SAFE Alliance

SAFE is a Central Texas nonprofit committed to providing safety, stability, and healing to anyone who has experienced violence and abuse. Locally, we provide housing, support services, and prevention programs to stop the cycle of violence. Globally, we engage in conversations that shape a culture free from violence and abuse.  Learn more at safeaustin.org.  

About DMA Companies

DMA Companies is a boutique real estate firm specializing in the development and management of multifamily properties. It brings affordable and special needs housing to communities nationwide by utilizing the various private, state and federal financing options. Its solid corporate structure enables them to provide the highest quality housing communities, while optimizing performance and achieving financial objectives.