Homes with supportive services to improve the lives of those most in need
An urgent need for more homes in our community At a time when our social safety net is fraying, it is imperative that our community step up its efforts to end homelessness by building more innovative, sustainable and affordable housing. Homelessness continues to have a deep, negative impact on our community. The Seattle/King County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness has proven successful in helping reduce the impact of homelessness during its first five years, yet the number of people waiting for homes is still unacceptably high. In particular, chronically-homeless adults — those who have been homeless the longest or repeatedly homeless over several years — have few options for permanent housing. Plymouth Housing Group, one of our community’s most trusted providers of low-income homes, has launched a new Sustaining Hope Capital Campaign to build more homes to fill the gap. The more homes we build, the more people we can help leave homelessness behind forever.
non-profits. They’ve shown that
Adult homelessness in our community today • There are over 8,300 homeless people in King County on any given night, and approximately 2,500 of those are adults who struggle with multiple disabilities or health issues.
you can change people’s lives
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Most long-time homeless people have been shut out of other housing alternatives due to poverty, poor rental history, mental illness, criminal history and other factors.
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Some homeless adults have lived on the streets or in temporary shelters for years because there is nowhere else for them to go.
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30% of all homeless people in our country are military service veterans.
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There are over 900 people on Plymouth’s waiting list for housing, yet we can only provide homes for about 150 new people each year.
“Plymouth Housing Group is one of our community’s most effective
by providing safe, supportive housing for those who have no other options.” — Norman B. Rice, President & CEO, Seattle Foundation
Plymouth Housing Group has a strong track record of success For the last 30 years, Plymouth has focused on solving the issue of chronic adult homelessness in our community, serving the most challenged and vulnerable people on our streets. Our model of permanent housing combined with “wrap around” support services is successful in keeping people stable while giving them the skills they need to live healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives. A proven approach to ending homelessness A perfect storm of devastating conditions is usually the cause of people spiraling into chronic homelessness. The majority of Plymouth’s residents struggle with one or more major disability including mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic medical conditions, chemical dependency, HIV/AIDS, developmental disabilities, and the long-term effects of poverty and aging. Plymouth’s successful approach to housing is a nationally-recognized model called “Housing First.” We believe that no one can become well again or address the issues that led to homelessness without having a safe place to call home. Housing is medicine Together with local health care and mental health agencies, as well as community partners like United Way, Plymouth works to break the cycle of homelessness. We help homeless adults move off the streets or out of temporary shelters, bringing them into safe, secure homes. We pride ourselves on working effectively with people who have failed in housing before, engaging and supporting them on their journey to wellness. Our success in keeping people stable for the long term proves that we are making a significant difference in transforming lives. In over three decades of providing homes, Plymouth has helped nearly 3,000 people leave homelessness.
“Living at Plymouth Housing Group has brought a sense of security back into my life. I feel like I’m a person with potential.” — Danny C., U.S. Air Force Veteran & Plymouth Resident
Supportive housing changes lives Plymouth’s mission is to provide permanent homes to those most in need. Our new Sustaining Hope Campaign will provide vital resources to build new homes and refurbish two older buildings. Plymouth offers more than just housing Each person who lives at Plymouth has unique life challenges which is why we tailor our support programs to fit their needs. Plymouth offers targeted housing programs for people who need intensive support — we have a special focus on homeless adults with severe medical conditions, people living with HIV/AIDS, senior citizens, and homeless people just coming out of the King County Criminal Justice System. When someone comes to live in a Plymouth building, they receive immediate, focused support from a dedicated team of professional case managers and building staff. On-site services include nursing care, chemical dependency counseling, one-on-one case management, and help with accessing community resources and financial support. Staff members help residents connect to local health care services, food banks and job opportunities, as well as assist them in managing their daily lives.
We also help our residents build new community connections by arranging social events, and creative opportunities like museum visits, art classes and computer training. Some residents are offered the opportunity to train as Plymouth front desk staff, maintenance workers or janitors, giving them real world job experience. Our goal is to give our residents the practical tools they need to improve, as well as hope that their lives can be meaningful once again. Permanent housing for the long term While many residents find employment and eventually move onto more independent living, Plymouth Housing Group is the place most of our residents live for the long term with the support they need to remain stable and well.
A recognized leader in the fight to end homelessness Plymouth Housing Group is locally and nationally recognized for its leadership and expertise in providing supportive housing for homeless adults. •
In 2005, Plymouth was awarded the Downtown Champion Award by the Downtown Seattle Association.
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In both 2007 and 2010 Plymouth won national MetLife Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing.
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Members of the Plymouth leadership team play major roles in the Seattle/ King County Committee to End Homelessness, the Seattle Housing Development Consortium and the Policy Advisory Team on Housing for the State of Washington.
Supportive housing saves significant community costs
Who Lives at Plymouth Housing Group today?
While providing safe, supportive housing is the humane solution to this devastating issue, it is also the most cost-effective solution to ending adult homelessness.
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90% of Plymouth’s residents struggle with one or more disability.
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It is estimated that nearly 70% of Plymouth residents suffer from some form of mental illness.
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77% of Plymouth residents are men, 53% are people of color, and 45% are over the age of 55.
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Almost 13% of Plymouth residents are military service veterans.
An independent study conducted by King County showed that Plymouth’s innovative Begin at Home housing program for homeless adults suffering from multiple medical problems and addiction resulted in significant medical and emergency care cost savings. After 20 “high-utilizers” of community medical and emergency care services lived in Plymouth housing for just 12 months the results were dramatic. •
Emergency room visits decreased by 75%
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Use of Sobering Centers decreased by 96%
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Short-term nursing and respite care days fell 100%
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Emergency room and medical costs were reduced from $1.6 million in the prior year to approximately $400,000 in the subsequent 12 months, a cost savings of $1.2 million
The average annual cost of providing a permanent home in a Plymouth building is approximately $13,000 per year, while the cost of providing a community hospital bed or a jail cell is $50,000 per year. Supportive housing makes sense for our community.
“Plymouth has proven that they are a positive contributor to our city and a good neighbor. Their model of supportive housing not only helps provide safe homes, but it makes our city a better place to live and work for everyone.” — Kate Joncas, President,DowntownSeattleAssociation
Today, over 900 formerly-homeless people live in 12 Plymouth-owned and operated apartment buildings in and around the downtown Seattle corridor.
The campaign will bring Plymouth’s portfolio of homes up to 1,000 units by 2013.
A New Campaign to Build More Homes The Sustaining Hope Campaign will: BUILD 81 NEW HOMES 81 new energy-efficient, sustainably-built homes will be built in the South Lake Union neighborhood on Pontius Avenue North.
PRESERVE 157 HOMES Preserve existing affordable homes in two historic downtown Plymouth buildings, sustainably remodeling them so they are energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate.
PROVIDE PERMANENT HOMES FOR VETERANS 40 of the units at the new Williams Apartments will be reserved for homeless veterans.
PROVIDE INNOVATIVE AND EFFECTIVE SUPPORT On-site support programs and counseling offered in the buildings will help residents regain their health and rebuild their lives. All the residents of the Williams Apartments will be part of Plymouth’s new Recovery Support Program, receiving focused, daily support on their journey out of addiction.
The Williams Apartments to Open in 2013 The new Williams Apartments (above), named for a long-time friend and associate, Pat Williams, will be located on Pontius Avenue North in the South Lake Union neighborhood. Due to break ground in early 2012, the building will be home to Plymouth’s new Recovery Support Program for homeless people intent on recovery from addiction.
Sustainability and Green Design Both the new Williams Apartments and the two historic building remodels will incorporate significant sustainable and green design elements. As new construction, the Williams Apartments is designed to reduce environmental impact and would like to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Green features to be included in the buildings:
“We owe it to our veterans to make sure
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High-efficiency heat and hot water systems and Energy Star appliances to reduce energy use.
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Thermally-efficient windows to keep apartments warm in winter and cool in summer.
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Low-flow toilets and showers to curtail unnecessary water use.
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Occupancy sensors to provide on-demand lighting in public areas.
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Rooftop solar hot water pre-heat panels (Williams Apartments), saving $2,500 in annual energy costs.
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Local and recycled materials will be used in construction.
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The Williams Apartments will feature a p-patch where residents can grow vegetables and flowers.
every one of them has a place to call home, and Plymouth Housing Group is doing so much to help make that a reality. Plymouth Housing Group has truly set the standard for successful housing for homeless adults.” — Patty Murray, Washington U. S. Senator
These sustainable features will not only provide a comfortable living environment, but will also help Plymouth save operating and maintenance costs over time. In addition, the new Williams Apartments heating system will decrease greenhouse gas emissions by over 11 tons annually. Comfortable, livable homes that fit right into the neighborhood Plymouth Housing Group is committed to creating attractive, well-managed housing appropriate to our local neighborhoods. Being a good neighbor is an important part of our mission. •
Designed by SMR Architects, the Williams Apartments will feature drought-resistant landscaping, as well as low wattage exterior down-lighting to increase safety and minimize light pollution.
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The two historic buildings, the Pacific Apartments and the Lewiston Apartments, will be renovated in a historically appropriate manner, preserving their unique facades.
Two Historic Remodels The Pacific Apartments at 4th & Marion Streets (above left) and the Lewiston Apartments on 1st Avenue (above right) will both receive “green” remodels to achieve energy-savings and lower operating costs.
Sustaining Hope Campaign Goals Plymouth has proven expertise in leveraging public dollars to create affordable low-income housing for the long-term.
The total campaign goal is to raise $22 million. $18 million will come from public and government sources (secured 8/11). $4 million will come from private gifts — individual supporters, foundations and local businesses.
Campaign Leadership Sustaining Hope Campaign Co-Chairs Stewart Landefeld Paula Rosput Reynolds
Plymouth Housing Group Executive Director Paul Lambros
Timeline
September 2011
January 2012
June 2012
August 2012
February 2013
March 2013
June 2013
Building Plans Finalized Williams Apartments Groundbreaking Lewiston Remodel Begins Pacific Remodel Begins Williams Apartments Complete Lewiston Remodel Complete Pacific Remodel Complete
For more information about the Sustaining Hope Capital Campaign: Marianne Painter, Resource Development Director 206-374-9409, ext. 143 or at mpainter@plymouthhousing.org
www.plymouthhousing.org