SAFE Alliance to break ground on permanent housing project next week

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Crews will break ground next week on a permanent supportive housing project spearheaded by the SAFE Alliance.

"There aren't similar resources in the community, so it truly fills a gap," said Julia Spann, Safe Alliance's CEO. The apartment complex will serve survivors of domestic violence who are experiencing homelessness.

SAFE currently already serves this population, but in a shorter-term capacity.

"There's a continuum of housing - shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing," Spann said. "There's an enormous gap for permanent housing for folks who need lots of support."

The complex will be home to 60 units in a combination of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments. There will also be meeting rooms, a lounge and a business center, as well as a 24-7 reception area with staff controlling who can come in and out for the safety of the residents.

SAFE will also provide on-site services like counseling, case management, employment resources and parenting support. They haven't laid out rental rates yet, but their goal is to fundraise enough to make the apartment units free for survivors.

"It's so important to create an apartment community that has the safety needs a victim of violence really needs and is specifically designed to serve folks who have trauma and who have kids," Spann said.

This project was made possible back in April when Travis County Commissioners approved a nearly $7.3 million contract with SAFE to help fund this project. SAFE has also secured private funding.

The organization expects the project to be done in 2026.