Front Steps Inc., the operator of the downtown Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, will expand its permanent supportive program by 27 beds following a Feb. 20 approval of a contract by Austin City Council.

The Downtown Austin Community Court, a public order court focused on downtown Austin, first tapped Front Steps to provide 20 units of permanent supportive housing in 2019. This latest contract will fund 27 additional units for up to five years at a cost of up to $2.25 million.

Permanent supportive housing has been held up by city leaders and experts as a crucial element to ending chronic homelessness. The program combines independent living with affordable housing assistance and support services, such as case management, health care and mental health services. Greg McCormack, the executive director of Front Steps, said once the chronically homeless are housed, they become much easier to help.

With its 47 units it will provide for the Downtown Austin Community Court, Front Steps’ total permanent supportive housing portfolio is 101 units.