Supportive Housing

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Enterprise Point of Contact:

Jeanie Shattuck
Senior Policy Analyst
Last Updated: April 28, 2012

Issue Background: Supportive Housing

Supportive housing seeks to address the needs of specific populations through stable, affordable housing and appropriate supportive services. Populations in need of supportive housing range from the chronically homeless, veterans, the mentally or physically disabled, the elderly, families, youth, victims of domestic violence, and criminal offenders reentering society. Some people need supportive housing on a temporary, short-term basis, while others require permanent supportive housing combined with services to maintain stability in their lives.

The services provided vary according to the needs of the tenants, and frequently include options such as health care and job training. Services are often provided on-site, or transportation is provided to ensure accessibility. Supportive housing advocates emphasize the importance of ensuring that use of services is voluntary and not conditional on continued tenancy.

Studies have shown that investments in supportive housing are cost-effective, as they significantly reduce usage of emergency rooms, arrests and imprisonment.

Current Policy State

In May 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act (Division B of Public Law No. 111-22) which reauthorizes and modernizes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The new grant program has a stronger emphasis on prevention of homelessness and re-housing activities, simplifies eligible uses of funds, and streamlines the overall application process. The HEARTH Act will be fully implemented once HUD publishes program regulations, which must be made available for public comment.

In December 2010, Congress passed bills to update the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly and Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities programs. These HUD-administered programs have helped to produce or preserve tens of thousands of units of supportive housing for these populations. The grants enable nonprofit organizations to build, acquire and operate housing, and often are used along with rental assistance programs to ensure affordability for tenants.

Legislative and Regulatory Priorities

Enterprise is a proponent of supportive housing programs that are responsive to the needs of individuals and families served. Robust federal programs and rental subsidies are essential in ensuring financial viability of supportive housing projects.

Publications and Resources

Previous Supportive Housing-Related Legislation (111th Congress)

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2009 (S. 118, Public Law No: 111-372)
- Enterprise S.118 Bill Summary
Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act (S. 1481, Public Law No: 111-374)
- Enterprise S. 1481 Bill Summary

Enterprise Resources

For the latest program funding levels, visit the Enterprise Budget and Appropriations webpage
Enterprise Supportive Housing webpage
Ending Homelessness for Families: The Evidence for Affordable Housing a report by Enterprise and the Homelessness Research Institute
Research on Affordable Senior Housing with Services Strategies prepared by the LeadingAge

External Resources

Agencies/Organizations

Research and Analysis

HEARTH Act Summary, from the National Alliance to End Homelessness
Health Care and Public Service Use and Costs Before and After Provision of Housing for Chronically Homeless Persons with Severe Alcohol Problems, from The Journal of the American Medical Association
Research on Cost Savings of Supportive Housing, compiled by the Supportive Housing Network of New York

We are Enterprise. Our family includes Enterprise Community Partners, Inc, a national Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides expertise for affordable housing and sustainable communities. Financing for affordable housing is offered through our tax-exempt subsidiary, Enterprise Community Loan Fund, Inc., and our for-profit subsidiary, Enterprise Community Investment, Inc. Housing development is offered through Enterprise Community Investment's subsidiary, Enterprise Homes, Inc. The content on this website reflects information about all of these entities.