Chuck Austin Place

Responding to the need for creating safe homes for veterans experiencing homelessness, Yakima Housing Authority developed Chuck Austin Place to provide 14 units of permanent supportive housing and 27 units for homeless singles and families.

Client

Yakima Housing Authority

Location

Yakima, Washington

Program

Yakima Housing Authority (YHA) first proposed the project in 2016, and in early 2017, HUD approved YHA’s request to turn the four-acre, four-building complex that had stood vacant for more than four years into housing for homeless veterans. The recently completed campus includes the renovated armory, which was repurposed into 14 studio units and 12,000 SF of supportive services space, and five new apartment buildings which include 17 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units constructed adjacent to the armory. At Chuck Austin Place, the mission of serving veterans extends beyond the physical environment, as the residents have many opportunities for resources to help them flourish. The 2,500 SF east wing of the renovated armory is occupied by Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS) who provide a dental clinic, health, and behavioral health services on-site for both residents and nonresidents. The project also makes use of the large amounts of area on the site and incorporate new landscaped courtyards, open spaces and playgrounds for the residents, as well as a public memorial for veterans.