City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
The supportive housing community offers case management to help residents achieve long-term stability.
For anyone experiencing homelessness in search of a stable place to live, please contact Austin ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Coalition) for a Coordinated Assessment. Details and access information are available at www.austinecho.org/gethelp.
For questions about Family Eldercare services and how to get started, please contact Family Eldercare's Intake and Referral line at 512-483-3580 or email info@familyeldercare.org.
AUSTIN, TX—The City of Austin Housing Department celebrates a new residence, Pecan Gardens (formerly the Candlewood Suites Hotel), a new permanent supportive housing community for seniors 55+ exiting homelessness. Located in District 6 at 10813 Pecan Park Boulevard, renovations began in May 2023 to transform the hotel into 78 furnished studio apartments. Residents have access to housing stability services, including case management, health assessments, living skills coordination, and community-building activities, as well as assistance with basic needs like food through an onsite food pantry. Tenants will not pay more than 30% of their income on rent, and all utilities are covered. Residents are also welcome to have pets.
"The opening of Pecan Gardens creates a meaningful opportunity to provide stable and safe housing for our most vulnerable neighbors," said Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director of the Housing Department. "We are proud to collaborate on developments that provide a foundation for our residents to rebuild their lives, especially in an amenity-rich area.”
Outdoor space with lounging area and garden for Pecan Gardens residents to enjoy.
Pecan Gardens began welcoming residents in August 2024. The 2-acre property is owned by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) and operated and managed by Family Eldercare. Residents were referred to Pecan Gardens through the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) Coordinated Entry System. Tenants will receive a yearly lease.
“At Family Eldercare, we are committed to a ‘housing first’ approach and believe that housing is a fundamental right,” said Dr. Aaron Alarcon, CEO of Family Eldercare. “As housing challenges increasingly impact the aging population in Central Texas, our staff and Board are committed to developing and partnering on the most effective, innovative solutions available. Pecan Gardens, driven by our focus on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), represents the next generation of housing innovation for our organization and the communities we serve."
The City of Austin has approximately a 98% success rate for individuals transitioning from homelessness to permanent supportive housing. This year, there should be around 400 PSH units and a little over 1,200 by 2027.
“The City of Austin’s commitment in opening Pecan Gardens as permanent supportive housing represents a deep dedication to the safety and health of our community’s most vulnerable elders, providing a secure and caring environment where they are valued and respected,” said Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray.
Building Amenities and Features
The Pecan Gardens building amenities are responsive to the needs of seniors exiting homelessness and are designed for aging in place. This important benefit empowers older adults to remain in their homes and communities as they age, regardless of income or ability level.
On-site clinic for Pecan Gardens residents.
Residents can access clinic services directly onsite in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. This eliminates the need for commuting to receive healthcare and provides a convenient, supportive environment for residents to manage their health and well-being. Additionally, UT Nursing will conduct research to identify changes in health, disability status, caregiving needs, and use of healthcare services during the first year in housing and to understand what parts of permanent supportive housing are most important for improving health and disability.
The development is designed with trauma-informed principles in mind, incorporating calming colors to create a welcoming and safe environment for all residents, with the goal to promote stability, independence, and a sense of community among residents. To provide flexible support, an onsite services coordinator is available to assist each individual based on their preferences and needs. Specialized rooms are available for confidential, one-on-one conversations with nurses or care coordinators, ensuring personal interactions are secure and respectful.
Entrance of Pecan Gardens.
Property History and Background
In January 2021, Austin City Council approved an Emergency Temporary Occupancy agreement with the property owners at the time to allow the City to use the property for emergency housing, isolation, and support services during the pandemic. This was an effort to ensure the health and safety of the community and to provide a place for individuals exposed to COVID-19. The anticipated purchase of the property went to Council in 2021 to approve negotiations for the City to acquire the land using 2018 General Obligation Bonds funding. AHFC purchased the property in August 2021 for $9.55 million, with plans to convert the hotel into permanent supportive housing (PSH).
In total, Pecan Gardens received $4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for rehabilitation, $2.695 million in 2022 General Obligation (GO) Bonds, and $3.9 million in Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) funding. Through AHFC, all 78 units will be supported by the Local Housing Voucher Program, which pays Fair Market Rent for efficiency units.
To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness.
Resources for affordable housing are available online at www.austintexas.gov/housing.
About the City of Austin Housing Department
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention 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 Homeless Strategy Office
The Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) serves as a focal point for addressing homelessness comprehensively, strategically, and compassionately.
About Family Eldercare
Family Eldercare provides services that promote dignity and stability for older adults and people with disabilities. For over 40 years, Family Eldercare has been a leader in supporting older adults and adults with disabilities to navigate aging with dignity and stability. Focused on innovation, the organization was a pioneer in senior and disability housing solutions when it launched Lyons Gardens in East Austin, which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. The organization and its Board view PSH-driven Pecan Gardens as part of its next generation of housing solutions.