Semiperm Housing
Throughout Settlement Housing Fund’s history, we have envisioned a model of supportive housing that targets families who could become independent. We believe that some families, who might not be accepted in permanent housing, could reach the level of self-sufficiency required for responsible tenancy after a few years in a structured setting.
Our vision became reality when we obtained a new, debt free, 24-unit building through the City’s Inclusionary Zoning Program and opened Semiperm on W. 102nd Street in Manhattan. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development is providing project-based Section 8, which subsidizes the cost of housing for the tenants, and tenants pay a percentage of their income towards rent so that they learn budgeting and financial responsibility. They also pay for electricity.
Semiperm is now home to 23 formerly homeless single parent families, including 40 children. This innovative program is tailored to families who need more assistance than six months in a shelter. Semiperm provides an apartment and supportive programs for two to five years. During this time, the participants develop the skills necessary to support themselves, advance their education, care for their children, and reach self-sufficiency. In addition to individualized counseling for each resident, Semiperm provides group programming and assistance on a wide variety of subjects including financial literacy, nutrition, and health care. We have built partnerships with neighboring community based programs offering parenting workshops, employment training, physical and psychological health services, and credit and legal assistance. Upon graduating from the program, each family is guaranteed permanent housing in one of Settlement Housing Fund’s buildings or in other residences throughout the city. They also receive Section 8 vouchers.
After two years in the program, Semiperm residents have achieved goals big and small with two of the participants completing an Associates Degree, seven enrolled in college, three obtaining their high school equivalency degrees, and 17 employed. One resident has even received a full tuition scholarship to St. John's University. All have participated in an on-going comprehensive program of counseling and skills building, including individual credit and debt management counseling which resulted in short term and long term financial goals. We believe that a focus on helping participants further their educations is key to their ultimate success in reaching self sufficiency, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements with them in the years to come.
Semiperm Housing was made possible through New York City’s Inclusionary Zoning Program and has been supported with grants from the Sirus Fund, the Vincent Mulford Foundation, The Butler Family Fund, and TD Bank.
Kara Zordel, Director
developments
