By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has awarded $26 million to fund nine affordable housing projects through its 2024 Affordable Housing Capital RFP. These projects will add 939 affordable units across the region, including 848 new rental units, 66 preserved units, and 25 new homeownership opportunities.
The funding prioritizes households with the lowest incomes, individuals experiencing homelessness, and communities at risk of displacement. King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, who helped push this initiative forward, stressed the importance of acting with urgency to address the housing crisis.
“To properly tackle the housing crisis, we must use every tool available to us to act urgently and aggressively,” Zahilay said. “Today’s investment is a commitment to the workers who power our economy—people who deserve sustainable and affordable housing close to where they work.”
King County faces a severe housing shortage for low-income residents, with only 23 affordable and available units for every 100 low-income renters. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, an additional 200,000 affordable housing units will be needed by 2044 to ensure that families and individuals living on low and fixed incomes have stable housing. This latest investment is a critical step toward closing that gap.
King County Executive Dow Constantine highlighted the importance of affordable housing in building stable, thriving communities.
“Affordable housing plays a vital role in creating vibrant communities that allow everyone the opportunity to thrive,” Constantine said. “From young families to veterans exiting homelessness, and seniors wanting to age in place, these investments expand the region’s affordable housing options and create stability for communities. Thank you to all our housing providers, building partners, and cities working with us to increase affordable housing for all.”
The newly funded projects will be located across South Seattle, the International District, Capitol Hill, and other areas in King County, prioritizing low-income households, people of color, and those most at risk of displacement.
Chief Seattle Club’s Sweetgrass Flats will provide permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless American Indians and Alaska Natives, addressing a critical need for culturally responsive housing.
The Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) is developing the Little Saigon Landmark project, which will create 70 affordable apartments for families and multigenerational households in Seattle’s Vietnamese community. The project is designed to combat displacement and gentrification and will also include a Vietnamese Culture and Economic Center, offering space for local vendors and community events.
LIHI’s Skyway Family Housing project will bring 54 new affordable apartments and a ground-floor early learning center operated by Akin to the historically underserved Skyway neighborhood. Of these units, 40 will be reserved for households experiencing homelessness, restricted to 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), or individuals earning up to $31,650 per year. The remaining 13 units will be designated for households at or below 50% AMI, or individuals earning up to $52,700 per year.
“The King County housing award made it possible for us to leverage state Housing Trust Fund and other financing to construct 54 new energy-efficient apartments,” said Sharon Lee, Executive Director of LIHI. “Skyway will benefit tremendously, as it is a majority-minority neighborhood that has historically been underserved.”
The Filipino Community of Seattle is leading phase two of a seven-story mixed-use development, adding 56 affordable family housing units next to the Filipino Community Center. This expansion follows phase one, which opened in 2021 with 96 affordable units. Apartments will range from one- to three-bedroom units, designed for families earning under 30%, 50%, and 60% of AMI. This means families earning between $31,650 (30% AMI) and $63,300 (60% AMI) per year will qualify for these apartments.
DESC’s Belmont project will introduce 120 units of permanent supportive housing in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, specifically for chronically homeless individuals and people living with disabilities. Half of the units will be designated for individuals earning up to 30% AMI ($31,650 per year), while the remaining half will be available to those earning up to 50% AMI ($52,700 per year).
According to officials, these projects collectively provide a lifeline for individuals and families in urgent need of stable, affordable housing, especially those most impacted by homelessness, displacement, and rising rents in King County.
“Affordable housing plays a vital role in creating vibrant communities that allow everyone the opportunity to thrive,” Constantine said. “From young families to veterans exiting homelessness, and seniors wanting to age in place, these investments expand the region’s affordable housing options and create stability for communities. Thank you to all our housing providers, building partners, and cities working with us to increase affordable housing for all.”
