Gulf Coast Arms Apartments is the first Section 8 Reconstruction Project certified at the LEED Platinum level in the U.S. Its 350 units, located in north Houston, include many features rarely seen in affordable properties.
The property is 100% tax credit units, with 46 one, 87 two and 31 three bedroom floor plans. Eighteen (11%) units for 30% area median gross income (AMCI). 67 units (41%) for 50% AMGI and the remaining 79 units (48%) for 60% AMGI famlies.
This 160-unit community is open to the general population and offers 100% affordable housing units, with 30%, 50% and 50% low-income housing tax credit units. Apartments range from 960 to 1,694 square feet.
On-site amenities include picnic pavilion, controlled access gates, granite countertops in each unit, stainless steel appliances, crown molding. double pane energy efficient windows, clubhouse, splash pad and playground for children, green living classes, book club and creative writing classes.
The property offers a variety of support services to residents including: weekly character building programs on topics such as drug prevention, team building. teen dating violence. Internet dangers and stranger danger . Residents also benefit from classes covering health (quarterly), nutrition and financial planning, classes: employment readiness. gardening. parenting. housekeeping. and GED preparation classes.
Youth enrichment activities include scholastic tutoring and help with homework for school-age students, as well as arts and crafts, health topics, and safety. Annual events include health fairs, tax preparation and assistance.
Other support programs include a pantry for food and common household items. as well as referral for emergency food, rent, utility and medicine assist.ance.
Resident Profile
Gulf Coast Arms serves a predominantly African American populotion in one of Houston’s most impoverished zip codes. Residents include families, singles and seniors.