Overview
A sanctuary for women and their families
Rising rent costs, coupled with tightening housing availability, resulted in an uptick in homelessness for the Jacksonville community. In response to the local increase in homelessness, Sulzbacher, a prominent advocate for the unhoused in Northeast Florida, embarked on a groundbreaking initiative. The objective was clear: to establish a place specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of unsheltered women, including veterans and families.
In Fall 2018, Sulzbacher Village opened its doors to the community, offering a comprehensive housing solution for the area’s most vulnerable. With a unit mix of studios, one- and two- bedroom homes, the 70-unit village was purposefully designed to house women and families earning up to 33% to 60% of the area median income. Sulzbacher Village also provides 54 auxiliary units for short-term emergency housing and medical respite, eliminating the need for 200 shelter beds in the Jacksonville community.
Project Details
Location
Jacksonville, FL
Size
70 homes
Tenancy
Homeless or Veteran Women
Total Project Cost
$21 million
Total LIHTCs
$9.2 million in 9% Federal
Project Amenities
Computer Lab
Central Heating and AC
Fully-equipped Kitchen
Shared Garden
Resident Support Services
Daycare
Children’s Library and Art Room
Medical/Vision/Dental Offices
Awards & Recognition
2019 Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC)
Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award for Special Needs Housing
01
Challenge
Sheltering the Unhoused
An increasing number of women and families in the United States are facing housing insecurity and are at-risk of homelessness. Nearly one out of every seven women in Florida live in poverty, and that number is even higher in Northeast Florida. Meanwhile, about 76% of single-parent families headed by women in Jacksonville are struggling to afford basic needs.
In 2016, a report by Changing Homelessness counted 109 young adults, 125 veterans, and 425 single-parent families experiencing homelessness in the area.
Recognizing this immediate issue, Sulzbacher, the largest provider of homelessness-related services in Northeast Florida, took proactive steps to address it. They developed a facility not only to offer shelter but also to establish a supportive community where individuals could enter a chapter of new beginnings in their lives.
Sulzbacher Village represents the first development of its kind in Jacksonville - a dedicated residence for unhoused women, veteran women, and their families.
02
Solution
Financing
Sulzbacher raised $6 million from more than 400 individuals and donor groups, demonstrating support from the community. Further bolstering this endeavor, the Florida Housing Finance Corp. awarded Sulzbacher Village $9.2 million in 9% federal low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs) and $3.5 million in State Apartment Incentive Loan funds.
Hunt Capital Partners facilitated the LIHTCs through its multi-investor fund, Hunt Capital Partners Tax Credit Fund 24. This financial backing underscored the shared commitment to creating a brighter future for women and families in Jacksonville.
03
Result
Life Transformed at Sulzbacher Village
Sulzbacher Village stands as a beacon of hope, with a focus on empowering residents and equipping them with a safe space for them to live happier, healthier lives. At its core lies a 7,000-square-foot health center, offering comprehensive services such as primary care, dental, and behavioral support. Beyond healthcare, the village hosts educational facilities, a computer lab, children's library, and playground, fostering a nurturing environment. Additionally, it operates a mobile food pantry, ensuring that all residents have direct access to nutritious foods and meals.
Education and empowerment form the bedrock of Sulzbacher Village's long-term success. On-site programs range from job training to job mentorship for adults and tutoring for children. Specialized vocational services aim to aid female veterans by helping them to acclimate back into society. Beyond just housing, Sulzbacher Village embodies resilience and community support, offering a pathway for unhoused women and families to regain self-sufficiency, ensuring individuals receive the necessary assistance to improve their quality of life.
