Housing Support Services
Skills Housing Support Services manages two housing options for people who fall within the very low income guidelines. These buildings provide an independent, affordable living environment with supports available.
The degree of support services available to residents varies according to the individual’s wants and needs. These programs receive funding from a variety of sources.
The Facilities
Tyler Hall, Altoona
Tyler Hall, Altoona
This 20-unit, single-room occupancy residential program provides a transitional housing for individuals in Blair County who are able to live independently, fall within the very low income guidelines and who have special needs. The purpose of this facility is to provide shelter, support and services to those very low income individuals who can conceivably enjoy a higher standard of living.
A Community Support Specialist is available to the tenants to assist in developing any life skill he or she wishes, such as cooking, budgeting, scheduling medical appointments, job hunting, grocery shopping and more. All services are available at the individual resident’s request. This Support Specialist is on-call for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Tyler Hall is operated from monthly rents that the tenants pay and from some funding though the City of Altoona’s Emergency Shelter Program. All referrals come from local human service agencies. A waiting list is maintained for this project.
Twin Mountains, Altoona
Twin Mountains, Altoona
This HUD Section 202 subsidized permanent housing program is for individuals with chronic mental illness and very low income. Twin Mountains includes two one-story buildings with eight apartments each, offering both one-bedroom and two-bedroom options. It includes an on-site laundry facility and a small community room. Twin Mountains aims to provide a quality, affordable, independent living arrangement for people with mental illness.
Tenants pay 30% of their adjusted gross income for rent which includes all utilities except telephone and cable. A waiting list is maintained for this project. Applications may be obtained by calling the Housing Support Office at 814-949-2699.
A Community Support Specialist is available to the tenants to assist in developing any life skill he or she wishes, such as cooking, budgeting, scheduling medical appointments, job hunting, grocery shopping and more. All services are available at the individual resident’s request; the Support Specialist is on-call for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
