Austin's First LGBTQ-Supportive Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground

It's being billed by its developers as a first of its kind for Austin: an affordable apartment complex that will have access to supportive services for residents who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Austin-based nonprofit Family Eldercare, partnering with national permanent supportive housing developer Vecino Group, recently broke ground on the $51 million project, Iris Gardens, in Southeast Austin.

In addition to units earmarked for residents meeting certain income-eligibility requirements, the 150 apartments also will be age-restricted, for people 55 and older.

LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term that represents a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. It includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning individuals, as well as intersex, asexual, and others whose identities fall outside these categories.

Family Eldercare officials said the groundbreaking marks "the beginning of a truly transformative housing development for Austin."

“This is a dream come true, to bring this type of housing to the community,” said Dr. Aaron Alarcon, chief executive officer of the nonprofit Family Eldercare, said in a statement. "Our organization — for 42 years — has served the underserved, provided care for those in-need, and has constantly changed and adapted along with our Austin community. 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.”

Rainbow Connections — a Family Eldercare program — will provide programming focused on “promoting the well-being and quality of life” for residents who identify as part of the LGBTQIA2+ community, officials said.

Iris Gardens will deliver "so much more than just its housing offering," Valentin DeLeon, Vecino Group's director of development, said in a statement.

"Though our work with Family Eldercare and Rainbow Connections we will help people find their sense of place through the strength of the community," DeLeon said.

Located at 1013 Montopolis Drive, Iris Gardens is due to be completed in late spring 2027.

The four-story complex will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom units that are income-restricted for people earning at or below various levels of the Austin-area's median household income. Rent is income-sensitive and varies by the resident's circumstance.

Of the 150 units, 65 units are slated for Permanent Supportive Housing, with the rest considered affordable housing. The remaining 85 units will be reserved for low-income residents from the community. Rents will be based on both household income and unit size to ensure long-term affordability, officials said.

The property will include a fitness area, a community room, a lounge and conference room, and a laundry.

On-site support will include help coordinating services and lining up permanent supportive housing for residents exiting homelessness. The project was made possible through support and funding from Austin Housing Finance Corp., Travis County, CITI Bank, and Redstone Equity.

For information on how to apply for a unit, or Family Eldercare services in general, contact the nonprofit’s Intake and Referral line at 512-483-3580,or email info@familyeldercare.org.