1. So, what is permanent supportive housing (PSH)? PSH is permanent, affordable housing coupled with robust supportive services that are available on site to assist formerly homeless residents get what they need and desire to live independently with personal satisfaction and a sense of well-being. In most cases tenants in PSH projects hold a lease to a dwelling, usually an apartment, which ensures their housing stability. Rents do not exceed 1/3 of whatever the tenant's income may be and usually are subsidized. Support services prove most effective when they are offered as an option, with the decision-making left to the tenant as to whether or not to take advantage of available services and benefits. Service providers who do this work best often operate their case management protocols much like concierge services in a fine hotel.

2. What does PSH look like? Usually a great deal like the surrounding neighborhood. Our PSH units are identical to all of the other housing units in their complexes. The PSH units at citywalkatakard.com, the Downtown building redeveloped by the Central Dallas CDC, look the same and the building will be operated in the same high-quality manner as other buildings in our central business district neighborhood. As one source puts it, the goal is "to be either the nicest building on the block or 'invisible' to enhance desirability for neighbors and tenants.

More on PSH to follow.

[Thanks to the Corporation for Supportive Housing for the information, framing and background for this post.]