Over five years ago, South Bend Heritage, the City of South Bend, local health systems, and homeless service providers began researching the development of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) as a critical method to break the cycle of homelessness. 

This cycle of homelessness is tragic, creates an unfavorable community environment, and is expensive to maintain. By focusing on PSH/housing first for the chronically homeless population and providing direct social service support, persons experiencing homelessness will have housing stability and a suitable location from which to begin strengthening their lives. After extensive research and public discussion, and in response to increasing homelessness over the last decade, SBH and other public and private housing providers have been utilizing PSH to rapidly house people experiencing homelessness. 

With the recommendations contained in the City’s Homelessness Working Group Report and the objectives noted in the St. Joseph Housing Consortium Housing & Community Development Plan serving as a guide:
1. The community is continuing to take long-called for action to expand housing options for everyone, especially those with a disability.
2. The community is delivering on its housing plans as a shared public concern and critical way to improve a wide range of health outcomes.
3. The community is increasing the supply of supportive apartment homes that create healthier outcomes for individuals choosing to improve their lives.
4. The community is following fair housing law and ensuring that all people, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, or disability, have access to decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing without discrimination.

For more information about Permanent Supportive Housing practices, click here. 

For more information about Oliver Apartments, click here.