Author: Jesse Dean

Media Contacts:
IHCDA – Ian Hauer,463-241-7879 or iahauer@ihcda.in.gov
CSH – Jesse Dean, 347-931-0132 or jesse.dean@csh.org

Indianapolis, IN | February 13, 2025 – Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) today announce the 17^th Indiana Supportive Housing Institute that will train four teams representing housing and service providers across the state in developing high-quality supportive housing.

The four-month program aims to finalize development plans for approximately 60 high-quality affordable and permanent supportive housing units for Hoosiers experiencing homelessness. Teams will receive intensive technical assistance to navigate the complex process of building and operating high-quality, affordable housing and supportive services.

“The Indiana Supportive Housing Institute is an opportunity for IHCDA to promote housing stability for those experiencing homelessness,” said Matt Rayburn, chief real estate development officer at IHCDA. “It is critically important that IHCDA and our partners align affordable housing developments to the current needs in communities. We congratulate those selected for participation in the Institute and look forward to collaborating with them to advance supportive housing in the state.”

“We congratulate the teams selected for the Institute and applaud their dedication to building healthy and vibrant communities,” said Lori Phillips-Steele, Indiana director at CSH. “Our Institute model fosters collaboration between developers, property managers and service providers, helping them build stronger connections and streamline processes to better serve people experiencing homelessness. Each new home and collaboration created through the Institute transforms lives and builds safer, resilient neighborhoods.”

IHCDA and CSH co-lead the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute based on CSH’s national “institute” curriculum. Through intensive and interactive workshops, participating teams learn how to navigate the complex barriers to development and funding, such as restrictive zoning laws, high land and construction costs, regulatory hurdles, and how to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services that help people thrive in stable housing. Teams also cover CSH’s quality standards, making them eligible for the CSH Quality Supportive Housing Endorsement.

Investing in supportive housing drives economic growth by generating employment opportunities and stimulating local businesses. It also plays a crucial role in fostering community well-being by addressing homelessness and its related challenges.

The selected teams include developers, property managers, service providers, people with lived experience, and other critical project partners. Their proposed multi-family housing properties promise to transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

To date, CSH and IHCDA have collaborated on 16 Indiana Supportive Housing Institutes with seventy teams and 1,533 new affordable and supportive housing units built throughout the state. An additional 504 units are in the construction or funding phases.

“When communities invest in affordable and supportive housing, they offset resources that otherwise would go to pay for costly emergency systems and institutional care that ultimately fail to address why people fall into homelessness in the first place,” said Deborah De Santis, president and CEO at CSH. “IHCDA has been an invaluable partner in accelerating supportive housing development for Indiana communities. We are grateful for their ongoing collaboration and support.”

The counties and collaborating teams selected for the 17^th Indiana Supportive Housing Institute are:

Indianapolis, Indiana/Marion County:

• Horizon House: Serving as team leader, owner, and supportive services provider.
• Englewood Community Development Corporation: Serving as developer and property management entity.

Goshen, Indiana/Elkhart County:

• Oaklawn Psychiatric Center: Serving as team leader and supportive services provider.
• Lacasa, Inc.: Serving as developer, owner, and property management entity.

Terre Haute, Indiana/ Vigo County:

• Mental Health America West Central Indiana: Serving as team leader, owner, developer, and property management entity.
• Hamilton Center, Inc.: Serving as supportive services provider.

Columbus, Indiana/Bartholomew County:

• Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana: Serving as team leader, developer, owner, and supportive service provider.
• Herron Property Management: Serving as property management entity.
• United Way of Bartholomew County: Serving as a community partner.
• First Presbyterian Church of Columbus: Serving as a community partner.

About IHCDA

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) provides housing opportunities, promotes self-sufficiency and strengthens communities in order to build an Indiana with a sustainable quality of life for all Hoosiers in the community of their choice. For more information, visit: in.gov/ihcda.

About CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.    

New Partnership Aims to Improve Governmental Efficiency and Accelerate Access to Housing and Services for Underserved Communities in Georgia.

Media Contact: Jesse Dean, CSH, jesse.dean@csh.org or 347-931-0132

Atlanta, GA | January 23, 2025 – The Board of Directors of GSHA (Georgia Supportive Housing Association) and the leadership of CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) are pleased to announce a new partnership to promote cost-effective, data-driven housing solutions statewide. The now named Georgia Supportive Housing Alliance will work collaboratively with housing and service providers and policymakers to improve governmental efficiency and accelerate access to housing and services for people facing complex barriers to stable housing.

“This alliance reflects our shared commitment to addressing housing needs and enhancing outcomes for Georgians,” said Mariel Risner Sivley, Co-Chair, GSHA. “By leveraging CSH’s national expertise and resources, we are confident that this partnership will sustain and grow the important work GSHA has contributed to over the years.”

According to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), nearly 13,000 people experienced homelessness including 2,728 people with families with children. However, HUD reported that homelessness decreased by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023 and homelessness decreased 37.4% between 2007 and 2024.

“CSH has made significant inroads in Georgia to advance supportive housing through key partnerships and driving meaningful system change and integration. We are pleased to build on GSHA’s legacy as we continue to deepen our commitment alongside our Georgia partners,” said Deirdre Bolden, Southeast Director at CSH. “Together, we are committed to creating sustainable and comprehensive housing solutions that uplift individuals and families in Georgia who through supportive housing, can that stabilize and place them on an upward trajectory for the success as they envision for themselves.”

Recognizing their shared goals, the leaders of GSHA and CSH acknowledged their common mission to advance supportive housing and elected to join forces to better serve individuals and families across Georgia. As part of this strategic shift, GSHA will wind down its operations to work with CSH to advance supportive housing, a proven model that helps people experiencing homelessness. The Georgia Supportive Housing Alliance will focus on helping communities avoid expensive emergency responses like jailing people for not having a safe place to sleep or forcibly institutionalizing people experiencing homelessness.

CSH is a nationally recognized nonprofit intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that advances cost-effective supportive housing solutions for communities seeking to solve homelessness. It will continue providing technical assistance, training, and consulting aimed to ensure the state benefits from a focused presence and leverages its resources tailored to meet local housing needs.  CSH brings an experienced and dedicated staff, further reinforcing their commitment to building thriving communities.

“CSH is excited about the formation of the Georgia Supportive Housing Alliance, enabling us to expand our reach and deliver tailored housing solutions that empower communities with affordable housing, coordinated services, and opportunities for people to build economic security,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH. “Our ultimate goal is to leverage the local expertise and leadership to build thriving communities through supportive housing.”

For more information about the Georgia Supportive Housing Alliance, please contact Deirdre Bolden, Southeast Director, CSH by submitting a contact form here.

About GSHA
GSHA’s mission is to advance the creation and preservation of quality supportive housing in Georgia and ensure sufficient resources for this effort through education and advocacy. Through advocacy, partnerships, and innovative programs, GSHA has helped ensure that individuals and families have access to stable and affordable housing.

About CSH
Corporation for Supportive Housing (“CSH”) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since their founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of their work, they have created more than four hundred sixty-seven thousand six hundred (467,600) units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over one billion five million ($1.5 billion) dollars in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately one hundred seventy (170) people across thirty (30) states and United States Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org

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Atlanta, GA (October 11, 2024) – Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), a national nonprofit intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) have announced the selected participants in the state’s inaugural Supportive Housing Institute. Five teams and two groups of individual entities representing housing developers and service providers were selected after a competitive application process.

This year marks the inaugural Georgia Supportive Housing Institute, a signature CSH program designed to kick start affordable and supportive housing development throughout the state. The rigorous Institute curriculum covers a number of topics for developing multi-family properties including design concepts, securing funding, ongoing operations, and service delivery. Georgia joins several other states that have leveraged the Institute to advance affordable and supportive housing in their communities. The Georgia Supportive Housing Institute is fully funded by the HOME American Rescue Plan Program.

“Executing our common vision to increase cross-sector collaboration and access to housing and services across Georgia, we are excited to partner with DCA to enhance the capacity and knowledge needed for successful supportive housing development”, said Deirdre Bolden, CSH Southeast Director. “The intention shown by the first Georgia Institute teams to learn and develop quality supportive housing represents a commitment to serving our neighbors and is a transformative step to address the needs of our underserved residents across the state.”

“The launch of the Supportive Housing Institute marks a significant milestone in DCA and CSH’s efforts to address the affordable housing crisis in Georgia,” said Philip Gilman, DCA Deputy Commissioner of Housing Assistance and Development. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to ensuring that every Georgian has the opportunity to thrive in safe, affordable housing.”

According to the 2023 National Low Income Housing Coalition Out of Reach report, residents that are currently working at a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour would have to work 140 hours each week to afford a modest 1-bedroom rental home at Fair Market Rent. The report asserts that Georgia has 543,837 rental households that are at 50 percent of the Area Median Income.

Supportive housing combines quality affordable housing with community-based support services that help people with additional needs to live with stability, autonomy, and dignity. Teams will also be able to apply for CSH’s Community Investment loan products designed to guide developers through the pre-development process.

In addition, each lead organization participating in the Institute can apply for funding through DCA’s Housing Tax Credit Program and subject to discretion by DCA, an anticipated Supportive Housing Notice of Funding Opportunity, where Institute participation provides points in the scoring.

And for the first time in a CSH Institute – representatives from developers, service providers and property managers – applied and have been allowed to participate.  Forming conceptual teams from these unconnected entities, representatives can glean information from the institute and make useful connections.

Below is a list of organizations and individual entities participating in this year’s Institute:

 

Team 1 (Decatur, GA)

Team Lead & Developer	The Paces Foundation, Inc./Paces Preservation Partners, LLC
Development Consultant	The Kelsey
Property Manager	Envolve Communities
Service Provider	Claratel Behavioral Health
Community Collaborator	Better Living Together

 

Team 2 (Atlanta, GA)

Team Lead & Developer	Gorman & Company, LLC
Property Manager	Gorman & Company, LLC
Service Provider	HOPE Atlanta
Community Partner/ CoC Representative	Partners for HOME

 

Team 3 (Athens, GA)

Team Lead	Athens Homeless Coalition
Developer & Property Manager	Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Real Estate Consultant	Athens Downtown Development Authority
Housing Consultant	Athens Housing Authority
Service Provider	Advantage Behavioral Health
Community Collaborator	Exclusive Mindz

 

Team 4 (Cornelia, GA)

Team Lead & Service Provider	Georgia Mountain Women’s Center, Inc. / Circle of Hope
Developer	Tapestry Development Group
Property Manager	PHASE Housing Management
Community Collaborator	Circle of Hope

 

Team 5 (Warner Robins, GA / Gwinnett County, GA)

Developer	Zimmerman Properties Southeast
Property Manager	Wilhoit Properties
Service Provider	Veterans Empowerment Organization

 

Individual entities participating and learning as conceptual teams include representatives from the following organizations:

Community Friendship, Inc.

Covenant House Georgia, Inc. (CHGA)

LDG Development, LLC

National Church Residences

Porch and Square

The Boyce L. Ansley School

Volunteers of America Southeast

Zion Hill Community Development Corporation

 

 

 

About CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 180 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.

 

About the Department of Community Affairs

 

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong and vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low and moderate incomes buy homes, rental housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov.

Austin, TX | October 9, 2024 – Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) launched the fourth Texas Supportive Housing Institute today, aiming to develop approximately 530 affordable and supportive housing units across the state.  

TSAHC and CSH selected six teams to participate in the Institute representing the following communities: Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, Denton, Marshall and San Antonio. The Texas Supportive Housing Institute is based on a national CSH initiative designed to accelerate Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development. PSH is affordable housing combined with wraparound supportive services and is a proven, compassionate, and cost-effective solution for people experiencing homelessness or who are at-risk of homelessness.

David Long, TSAHC President, said, “We’re excited to launch this latest Institute and build upon the work we’re doing to move vulnerable Texans from the streets and into safe, stable housing. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without a high-caliber training partner in CSH and the generous contributions from our funding partners who trust us to provide the highest quality training.”  

TSAHC announced the teams last month which consist of developers, property managers, service providers, and other critical project partners. The proposed supportive housing communities promise to transform the lives of people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including families, victims of domestic violence, youth transitioning out of foster care, single parents, Veterans, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.

“Each home created through the Institute transforms lives and builds safer, resilient neighborhoods. When communities invest in supportive housing, they save resources diverted from costly emergency systems and intuitional care,” said Brooke Page, Southwest Director at CSH. “TSAHC has been an invaluable partner in accelerating supportive housing development in Texas, and we are inspired by teams across the state dedicated to making a positive impact and building vibrant communities.”

Team members will receive intensive training over four months on navigating the process of developing PSH. CSH provides individualized technical assistance and support to plan each project and to develop fundraising plans. Also, teams are eligible to apply to CSH for low-cost loans to assist in the pre-development process. The training is provided free of charge thanks primarily to a generous contribution from Wells Fargo.

“Wells Fargo is committed to investing in programs and opening pathways that expand affordable housing opportunities for Texas’ most vulnerable populations,” said Christopher Rios, Vice President of Social Impact and Sustainability at Wells Fargo. “We applaud TSAHC, CSH and the participants of the 2024 Texas Supportive Housing Institute for their collaboration and combined efforts to strengthen Texas communities and ensure all Texans have a safe place to call home.”

In addition to support from Wells Fargo, funding for the Institute is being provided by JPMorgan Chase & Co., Dominium, Texas Community Bank, Regions Bank, Insperity, Frost Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Capital Impact Partners, and Vecino Group, with additional support provided by Bank of America.

TSAHC and CSH combined forces in 2020 to launch the Texas Supportive Housing Institute to drive PSH development. To date, 16 development teams representing Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco have successfully completed the Institute, providing more than 1,000 new PSH units across the state.

About TSAHC

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) is a statewide non-profit organization that works to facilitate, preserve, and expand affordable housing opportunities for Texans, with the vision that every Texan will have a place to call home. For more information, please visit www.tsahc.org.

About CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.    

Austin, TX | October 9, 2024 – Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) launched the fourth Texas Supportive Housing Institute today, aiming to develop approximately 530 affordable and supportive housing units across the state.  

TSAHC and CSH selected six teams to participate in the Institute representing the following communities: Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, Denton, Marshall and San Antonio. The Texas Supportive Housing Institute is based on a national CSH initiative designed to accelerate Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development. PSH is affordable housing combined with wraparound supportive services and is a proven, compassionate, and cost-effective solution for people experiencing homelessness or who are at-risk of homelessness.

David Long, TSAHC President, said, “We’re excited to launch this latest Institute and build upon the work we’re doing to move vulnerable Texans from the streets and into safe, stable housing. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without a high-caliber training partner in CSH and the generous contributions from our funding partners who trust us to provide the highest quality training.”  

TSAHC announced the teams last month which consist of developers, property managers, service providers, and other critical project partners. The proposed supportive housing communities promise to transform the lives of people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including families, victims of domestic violence, youth transitioning out of foster care, single parents, Veterans, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.

“Each home created through the Institute transforms lives and builds safer, resilient neighborhoods. When communities invest in supportive housing, they save resources diverted from costly emergency systems and intuitional care,” said Brooke Page, Southwest Director at CSH. “TSAHC has been an invaluable partner in accelerating supportive housing development in Texas, and we are inspired by teams across the state dedicated to making a positive impact and building vibrant communities.”

Team members will receive intensive training over four months on navigating the process of developing PSH. CSH provides individualized technical assistance and support to plan each project and to develop fundraising plans. Also, teams are eligible to apply to CSH for low-cost loans to assist in the pre-development process. The training is provided free of charge thanks primarily to a generous contribution from Wells Fargo.

“Wells Fargo is committed to investing in programs and opening pathways that expand affordable housing opportunities for Texas’ most vulnerable populations,” said Christopher Rios, Vice President of Social Impact and Sustainability at Wells Fargo. “We applaud TSAHC, CSH and the participants of the 2024 Texas Supportive Housing Institute for their collaboration and combined efforts to strengthen Texas communities and ensure all Texans have a safe place to call home.”

In addition to support from Wells Fargo, funding for the Institute is being provided by JPMorgan Chase & Co., Dominium, Texas Community Bank, Regions Bank, Insperity, Frost Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Capital Impact Partners, and Vecino Group, with additional support provided by Bank of America.

TSAHC and CSH combined forces in 2020 to launch the Texas Supportive Housing Institute to drive PSH development. To date, 16 development teams representing Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco have successfully completed the Institute, providing more than 1,000 new PSH units across the state.

About TSAHC

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) is a statewide non-profit organization that works to facilitate, preserve, and expand affordable housing opportunities for Texans, with the vision that every Texan will have a place to call home. For more information, please visit www.tsahc.org.

About CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.    

CSH, a national nonprofit intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing supportive housing, announced it was awarded $50 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). This significant funding will bolster CSH’s efforts to invest in quality healthcare and support services essential for helping supportive housing tenants thrive.

The $50 million NMTC allocation is the tenth such award from the Treasury Department, bringing CSH’s total NMTC allocation awards to $485 million. This funding underscores CSH’s exceptional track record in identifying innovative projects for community-based and healthcare services serving people with extremely low incomes living in supportive and affordable housing properties.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to channel New Markets Tax Credit allocations into projects and communities that bridge the gap between housing and essential services,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO of CSH. “CSH is particularly excited to invest in groundbreaking facilities that revolutionize healthcare and community-based services, ensuring access to quality, person-centered care for those who have been underserved.”

The NMTC funding will allow CSH to directly finance various initiatives, injecting capital into projects that promote economic growth and enhance access to essential services for people living in supportive and affordable housing.

Administered by the CDFI Fund, the NMTC program is vital in driving economic development and revitalization in communities that historically have not received adequate capital investment.

CSH’s $50 million NMTC allocation is part of the $5 billion announced by the Treasury Department, distributed among 104 awardees. Established by Congress in 2000, the CDFI Fund NMTC program has completed 20 rounds of allocations, giving out 1,667 awards worth $81 billion in tax credit authority.

“With our focus on driving equity in communities, we are delighted to pair our NMTC offerings alongside our RACE Initiative to support service providers led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color,” said Ross Clarke, Director of the New Markets Tax Credit program at CSH. “We are proud to offer innovative financing solutions to bring about transformative change in communities.”

The first-ever comprehensive Housing Action Plan comes after CSH collaborative advocacy and will guide efforts to increase housing availability, affordability, and quality. 

New York, NY | September 19, 2024 – In a landmark move to address homelessness and housing instability across Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro has announced the creation of the state’s first-ever comprehensive Housing Action Plan. This decision comes in response to advocacy efforts led by Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) and Regional Housing Legal Services (RHLS) and supported by nearly 130 housing and homeless organizations across Pennsylvania.

The executive order signed last week directs his administration to develop a plan that addresses rising homelessness and widespread shortages of affordable housing. Brian McShane, CSH Assistant Director for Pennsylvania, applauded the governor’s order.

“The formation of the Pennsylvania Housing Action Plan is a critical step forward to addressing the complex issue of homelessness in our state,” said McShane. “We are grateful for Governor Shapiro’s leadership and commitment to providing the necessary coordination and resources that can make Pennsylvania a place where everyone has a safe and stable home.”

“We applaud the leadership shown by Governor Shapiro in Executive Order 2024-03 which elevates the critical issue of housing affordability and provides a clear and actionable road map for developing exactly the sort of collaborative solutions we know will have positive impacts in our communities,” said Jack Stucker, Supervising Attorney at RHLS. “At RHLS, we have worked over the last 50 years expanding access to affordable housing for Pennsylvanians. Over that time, we have seen many approaches to addressing the housing needs in our communities. Although many initiatives have been successful, we still find ourselves in the midst of an affordability crisis that prevents thousands of Pennsylvanians from affording safe and secure housing in their community of choice. One through-thread of success we have seen is collaboration.”

The governor tasked the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) with leading the plan’s development, which will include guidance on providing support to those experiencing homelessness across Pennsylvania. The order also directs the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop recommendations on policies and best practices for addressing homelessness and supporting individuals in need. DHS plans to convene an interagency group to address the need for more coordination among state agencies in collaboration with local and federal governments and community organizations.

“Pennsylvania must be a place where marginalized individuals and families receive the support they need to live independently and thrive in their communities,” said Governor Shapiro in an official statement. “By creating this interagency council, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH, highlighted this initiative’s significance compared to efforts in other states. “While some states are enacting laws to criminalize homelessness, Pennsylvania is taking a compassionate and proactive approach,” said De Santis. “By establishing this action plan, Pennsylvania is addressing immediate needs and creating a sustainable framework that other states can look to as a model for ending homelessness.”

The governor’s order comes several months after CSH and the Philadelphia-based RHLS submitted a report and called for the governor to establish an interagency council tasked with advancing affordable housing, supportive housing, and essential support services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Over the past two years, CSH and RHLS conducted extensive listening sessions with 120 organizations across 50 counties. CSH and RHLS published their findings in May, which highlighted the urgent need for state-level change to enhance resources and scale housing solutions.

With better coordination of state resources and funding through the Interagency Council, Pennsylvania aims to become the first state to effectively end homelessness.

“From what we can tell, the state Housing Action Plan and the interagency collaboration it will foster is one of four critical policy priorities identified by community members we interviewed, who have now come together to form the Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Coalition, to address homelessness and create more housing,” said McShane. “Governor Shapiro’s commitment to this initiative demonstrates a strong dedication to making Pennsylvania a leader in the fight against homelessness.”

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jesse Dean, Director, Strategic Communications, jesse.dean@csh.org, 347-931-0132

New York, NY | September 12, 2024 – CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing), a leading national nonprofit intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), announced a $40 million unrestricted grant from renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The generous gift will markedly support CSH’s mission to build equitable, inclusive, and thriving communities through affordable housing and essential support services.

“We are deeply grateful to Ms. Scott for her unparalleled generosity and for recognizing the transformative power of supportive housing,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH. “This donation arrives at a pivotal moment as communities across the country grapple with escalating homelessness and housing insecurity due to a severe shortage of affordable housing, racial disparities, and persistently inadequate funding for essential health and community services.

Ms. Scott’s generous contribution will empower CSH to bridge these gaps and help communities address the urgent needs of people who face unnecessary barriers to housing. As outlined in its 2023-2027 strategic plan, CSH has established ambitious goals to increase and preserve affordable and supportive housing units substantially; transform the delivery of services to ensure services are person-centered, trauma-informed, and coordinated across systems; boost economic security for people living and working in supportive housing; and guide communities in addressing systemic inequities among Black and Indigenous people who are significantly overrepresented in institutional settings.

According to Ms. Scott’s Yield Giving website, she has donated more than $17.3 billion to nonprofits and charities. Central to her giving is her preference to “yield” control of her support through unrestricted gifts that allow nonprofits unparalleled flexibility to use the funds where they can make the most impact.

“Ms. Scott’s unbounded generosity and trust in our mission are profoundly moving. Her approach to giving, which emphasizes unrestricted support, allows us to focus on our core mission: advancing affordable housing and integrated services to help individuals and communities thrive. We are eternally thankful for her support,” said De Santis.”

About Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) is a national nonprofit intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services. We accomplish our work by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.   

 

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Institute celebrates its fifth year, and more than 700 new supportive housing units developed or planned.

For Immediate Release 
Media Contacts: Jesse Dean, CSH, jesse.dean@csh.org | Delia Hernández, OHCS, HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov 

New York, NY| September 11, 2024 – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) today announced seven innovative affordable housing projects that emerged from the fifth Oregon Supportive Housing Institute (SHI). The new projects contribute to the more than 700 new permanent supportive housing (PSH) units that have been developed or planned as a result of five years of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute.

“Permanent Supportive Housing is a proven strategy to increase housing stability and improve health of people who have experienced chronic homelessness,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Housing and health are the foundations of everyday life that we all depend on, and OHCS has a responsibility to help make that possible for all people, regardless of what they have been through. The Supportive Housing Institute is five years into supporting the readiness of community leaders to deliver results that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. We are prioritizing people in our efforts to strengthen Oregon.”

OHCS and CSH collaborate to operate the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute designed to accelerate affordable and supportive housing development locally. Teams in Oregon consisting of developers, property managers, service providers, people with lived experience, and other critical project partners, apply to participate and receive intensive training over five months on navigating the process of developing permanent supportive housing. CSH provides individualized technical assistance and support to plan each project.

“CSH joins OHCS in congratulating our newest cohort of Institute graduates. We are inspired by their commitment to advancing supportive housing as an evidence-based approach to helping people who face complex barriers to housing in Oregon find stability and thrive. This is not easy work, and we are proud of all our Institute alums over the past five years for leading with creativity and innovation that has lasting impacts across our communities,” said Rae Trotta, Senior Program Manager at CSH.

The planned projects are:

•  Bridges to Change, Portland – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness and who are impacted by substance use disorders or mental health disorders, with a focus on individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
• Home First, Manzanita – permanent supportive housing for families experiencing long-term homelessness.
• Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, Portland – permanent supportive housing and supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
• New Narrative, Beaverton – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness, disabilities and mental illness.
• Our Just Future, Portland – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness, who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color and/or LGBTQ+, unsheltered veterans, families, and immigrants.
• Path Home, Portland – permanent supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness with a special focus on families identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
• Housing Authority of Washington County, Forest Grove – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness.

“CSH gratefully thanks and acknowledges Oregon Housing and Community Services for their ongoing partnership and support of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute. Their partnership has been integral to the Institute’s success and for making quality housing and services possible for hundreds of families and individuals in Oregon,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH.

To date, the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute has successfully graduated 43 teams who have opened 339 new PSH units with an additional 360 units currently in development. 

About Oregon Supportive Housing Institute
The Oregon Supportive Housing Institute (SHI) is a signature initiative of Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) in collaboration with and support from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Since its start in the state, 43 teams have participated in the Oregon SHI that has resulted in 339 new PSH units, with more than 360 PSH units in development. The Oregon SHI has had diverse statewide representation from every region in Oregon, including projects from Central Oregon (Bend and Warm Springs), Coastal Regions (Astoria, Coos Bay/North Bend, Manzanita, Toledo), Corvallis, Eastern Oregon (Ontario and Lakeview), Eugene, Portland and greater Portland Metro (Gladstone, Happy Valley, Newberg, Tualatin/Tigard), Salem, and Southern Oregon (Medford/Grants Pass, Roseburg). 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 
OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

About Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is the national champion for supportive housing, demonstrating its potential to improve the lives of very vulnerable individuals and families by helping communities create more than 385,000 real homes for people who desperately need them. CSH engages broader systems to fully invest in solutions that drive equity, help people thrive, and harness data to generate concrete and sustainable results. Visit us at www.csh.org.

 

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For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jesse Dean, jesse.dean@csh.org or 347-931-0132

September 4, 2024 | New York, NY – CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) proudly announces that the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has accredited the CSH Supportive Housing Training Center. This prestigious accreditation allows enrollees to obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for all live webinars upon satisfactory completion of training courses.

“Achieving IACET accreditation reaffirms our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest training standards in the supportive housing field. We are dedicated to equipping the field with the quality training they need to make a lasting impact in our communities,” said Lisa Sepahi, Training Center Director at CSH. “The accreditation acknowledges that our training programs meet the highest international standards, ensuring exceptional quality and value for the supportive housing field.”

IACET is an internationally recognized accrediting body that develops standards for continuing education and training. CSH’s Supportive Housing Training Center completed a rigorous review and application process to receive the accreditation. The accreditation ensures that CSH’s training policies have been vetted and benchmarked against the ANSI/IACET Standard of Continuing Education and Training.

The CSH Supportive Housing Training Center is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of training programs solely focused on helping professionals gain knowledge and skills to develop and operate high-quality supportive housing. It offers more than 200 live and on-demand courses covering a wide range of topics relevant to professionals at all levels, including those with lived experience in affordable housing, supportive housing, community and health services, homelessness, child welfare, aging, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and justice sectors. Also, the CSH Supportive Housing Training Center oversees the CSH Quality Supportive Housing Standards initiative and the biennial national Supportive Housing Summit.

“Those serving individuals who benefit from supportive housing are essential front-line workers. CSH aims to equip them with the practical and resilience-building skills they need to thrive in their challenging roles. We are thrilled to have achieved the IACET distinction, demonstrating CSH’s commitment to supporting this vital workforce,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO and CSH.

About CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org. 

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Massachusetts state policymakers, with their visionary leadership, are setting a national benchmark with thoughtful policies and transformative investments in supportive and affordable housing. Last week, the Massachusetts state legislature passed the Affordable Homes Act with strong bipartisan support, authorizing $5.16 billion for housing over the next five years. The act introduces numerous policies that will significantly advance efforts to expand supportive housing alongside affordable housing initiatives needed across the nation’s 16th most populous state. 

One of the Affordable Homes Act’s most significant aspects is the creation of a Supportive Housing Pool Fund. This landmark fund serves as a new resource aimed at enhancing and broadening the creation of housing and services for those at risk of homelessness. The Supportive Housing Pool Fund is set to benefit all communities, particularly focusing on individuals with behavioral health issues, substance use disorders, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual violence, as well as those who are at risk of entering or transitioning out of the foster care system. 

CSH is a member of the state-based Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition comprising over 80 cross-sector partners, which has advocated for the Supportive Housing Pool Fund and additional policies included in the legislation. 

“The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act is a win for the state residents and especially for individuals and communities who will be transformed through supportive housing,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH. “This legislation serves as a model for other states in its scope of investment for accelerating affordable and supportive housing development and adequately funding the services that are the critical part of helping people achieve stability.” 

This achievement follows a historic $20 million allocation that the Michigan state legislature passed in June that will fund supportive housing services.

CSH will continue to work with the MA Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition and state leaders to implement the Supportive Housing Pool Fund. The Coalition is led by United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness.