Finding the Right Location: A Guide to Choosing Land for Interim Supportive Housing

How many times have you walked past a fenced-off or boarded-up vacant lot? Whenever a piece of land remains vacant, it’s a squandered resource. DignityMoves’ unique model of using agile, relocatable housing units transforms that squandered resource into what our communities desperately need: interim supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Building an interim supportive housing community requires thoughtful land selection. It cannot be placed in the middle of nowhere, far from essential services. Instead, a thorough evaluation of the project site is essential, as it can significantly impact the project’s timeline, budget, and success. Here are key considerations for site selection to meet the needs of both the community and its future residents.
What Are the Essentials of Site Selection?
- Why is Duration Key?
Choose land available for five years or more, ideally offered as a philanthropic gesture at a nominal fee. Property owners interested in playing a role in addressing the humanitarian crisis on our streets can significantly contribute. Flexible lease terms can accommodate both parties’ future needs, ensuring a partnership built on mutual understanding and respect. - Why is Accessibility Non-negotiable?
The site must be convenient for public transportation and close to essential services. This supports residents in maintaining employment, accessing healthcare, fulfilling critical needs, and fostering a sense of autonomy and connection to the community. - How Does Zoning Impact Success?
The land should be zoned for residential or mixed-use to streamline the project’s launch. Proper zoning avoids legal pitfalls and ensures the housing initiative can proceed without unnecessary delays. - Why Does Infrastructure Matter?
Proximity to water, sewer, and electrical connections significantly reduces setup costs and impacts the project’s financial feasibility and timeline. - What is the Ideal Layout?
Flat and paved terrains are preferable for ease of development and compliance with accessibility standards. However, creative solutions can adapt to slight gradients or unpaved surfaces if necessary. - What is the Role of Operator Feedback?
Operators should be involved from the outset when reviewing potential sites to help inform the project’s design and identify potential challenges. They can provide insights into the day-to-day operations of the site and help build trust and buy-in from the community. - How to Use a Site Scorecard?
Create a site scorecard that evaluates the site’s physical characteristics, existing infrastructure, and environmental conditions. This analysis should include site visits, surveys, and consultations with experts.
- Why is Duration Key?
Why is Size and Scalability Important?
An ideal supportive housing community accommodates 50-100 residents, striking a balance between cost efficiency and personal touch. The ideal site size is about ½ acre or 20,000 square feet, leveraging economies of scale in construction and service provision to maximize the impact of every dollar spent.
How Can Creativity Help in Site Locations?
Look beyond the conventional: rooftops, oddly shaped lots, and areas already frequented by people experiencing homelessness can all transform into safe, supportive spaces. Engaging with local stakeholders might also unveil locations prone to encampments, indicating a potential site that benefits both the landowner and the community.
What is the Power of Online Tools?
Utilize state databases and digital mapping tools such as the Department of General Services (DGS) Surplus Lands database or Lightbox® to uncover hidden gems. You can also find available Surplus Land on the APR Dashboard. Ensure the selected site is not within a floodplain. A parcel next to a closed retail giant or an unused corner of municipal property might be ideal for your interim supportive housing community.
Why is It a Win-Win Situation?
Building an interim supportive housing community requires creative and thoughtful participation from all parties, offering much to gain. Landowners and developers can benefit from potential tax incentives and comprehensive insurance and the unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant social causes of our time. Finding a site that works for everyone is not only possible but within reach.
About DignityMoves
At DignityMoves, our mission is to operate in the spirit of openness and collaboration. We are thrilled to launch a series of insights from our Open Source Playbook, starting with a journey into site selection for interim supportive housing communities. Join us as we unravel our learnings and methods to date, setting the foundation for transformative community projects.
FAQ
What is interim supportive housing?
Interim supportive housing provides temporary housing solutions with supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them transition to permanent housing.
How important is site location for interim supportive housing?
Site location is crucial as it impacts accessibility to transportation, services, and the community, affecting the project’s success and residents’ well-being.
How can landowners benefit from offering their land for interim supportive housing?
Landowners can benefit from potential tax incentives, insurance, and contributing to a significant social cause, enhancing community welfare.
What tools can help find suitable sites for interim supportive housing?
Tools like the Department of General Services (DGS) Surplus Lands database and digital mapping tools can help identify potential sites for development.