The 501 Project

The 501 Project is a Permanent Supportive Housing project that grows from and builds on the success of Cross Park Place, which opened in January 2019. Much like Cross Park Place, the 501 Project will be a significant capital project that will house individuals who are historically difficult to house due to underlying medical and mental health conditions under the “Housing First” model of Permanent Supportive Housing. This model operates on the understanding that housing is a human right. The Housing First approach has yielded outstanding results in Iowa City where tenants have demonstrated marked decreases in hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and psychiatric and inpatient treatment stays, as well as nights incarcerated.

Like Cross Park Place, The 501 Project will house chronically homeless individuals in greatest need by allowing them to stabilize as tenants in their own affordable, one-bedroom rental units. When tenants are ready, they can access additional supportive services such as medical care and psychiatric services. The new facility has 36 apartments and opened in June of 2022.