In a move to bolster affordable housing options in East Austin, the City of Austin Housing Department has proudly broken ground on Iris Gardens—an inclusive new senior living space pointedly affirming the LGBTQIA2+ community. As reported by the official City of Austin news release, the development, in collaboration with Family Eldercare and Vecino Group, introduces a 150-unit complex designed to mitigate the housing challenges faced by low-income seniors and the LGBTQIA2+ population.
“By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, Iris Gardens reflects our commitment to ensuring that all Austinites have access to the dignity, stability, and opportunity that housing provides,” Mandy DeMayo, interim director for the City of Austin Housing Department, was quoted as saying in the news release. Located at 1013 Montopolis Drive, Iris Gardens aims to offer a mix of affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments to households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income. The initiative is a strategic move to try and combat the pressing issue of homelessness, setting aside 65 apartments as permanent supportive housing for those in need, with all vouchers referred through coordinated entry.
Serving the community for over four decades, Family Eldercare steps forward once again with its vision in action. “Our vision is a world where all vulnerable people in the world thrive, and Iris Gardens is a step toward this world becoming reality for so many,” Dr. Aaron Alarcon, CEO of Family Eldercare, told the City of Austin news release. With a wide array of amenities like fitness centers, multi-purpose community rooms, and shared laundry areas, the development doesn't just stand to provide housing but a platform for a community to flourish. Supportive services ranging from employment and financial literacy to health and well-being classes bolster the residence's comprehensive approach toward stability and independence for its future residents.
With a hefty price tag of about $50 million, funding for Iris Gardens comes from various sources, including a significant $8 million loan via the Austin Housing Finance Corporation's Rental Housing Development Assistance program. The projection for completion is set for late Spring 2027, and the development is poised to potentially set a precedent for future affordable housing initiatives. “Iris Gardens is poised to deliver so much more than just its housing offering – through our work with Family Eldercare and Rainbow Connections, we will help people find their sense of place through strength of the community,” said Valentin DeLeon, Director of Development at Vecino Group, as mentioned in the City of Austin news release.
For more information on housing assistance or inquiries regarding the services provided by Family Eldercare, interested individuals can reach out directly via phone or email, as detailed at the beginning of this article. Austin ECHO also continues to provide resources and assessments for those facing homelessness, ensuring a coordinated effort to address and alleviate the housing crisis in the Austin community.
