SEATTLE, WA – Mayor Bruce Harrell announced on Friday the City’s 2022 yearly funding awards for affordable housing providers, totaling $147 million for the construction and preservation of 1,150 affordable homes in neighborhoods across Seattle. The City’s ongoing commitment to affordable housing is crucial to ensure that all people have access to affordable housing, regardless of their income or background.
The Office of Housing provides a notice of funding availability every year for the Rental Housing Program, and this year’s awards support 12 of the proposals. The investments will include the construction of 1,088 new homes in 11 new buildings, offering a range of housing types for low-income residents, including permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness, apartments for low-income individuals and families, and homes for first-time homebuyers. They also include preservation of one building in Belltown, allowing 62 homes to remain affordable in the neighborhood.
In addition to the funding for rental housing, the Office of Housing’s 2022 investments also include a commitment for three affordable homeownership projects, including three sites within the Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative in partnership with community-based organizations and Sound Transit.
Funding for affordable housing provided through the Office of Housing comes from initiatives like the 2016 Seattle Housing Levy and JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax, as well as programs like Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA).
“Too many Seattle neighbors are feeling the strain of high housing costs and the affordable housing crisis – as an administration, we are committed to exploring all avenues to build more housing and expand safe and affordable housing options. These significant investments represent needed action to provide needed affordable housing, helping tackle homelessness, displacement, and other related issues that threaten the well-being of our community. We look forward to continuing to foster strong partnerships with these awardees to create a more affordable Seattle – and a better future – for all.” – Mayor Bruce Harrell
“It is with great pleasure that we announce these funding awards for affordable rental housing production and preservation, as well as affordable homeownership. We remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and are excited to collaborate with our partners to create a Seattle where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.” – Director Maiko Winkler-Chin, Office of Housing
“Thanks to this funding, proof of the city’s commitment to permanent supportive housing, DESC is now building 105 new affordable apartments along 15th Avenue West. Everyone deserves a home, and this kind of funding is essential to ending our chronic housing crisis, especially for people who are living with disabilities and who have been experiencing homelessness for a long time. When a person has a secure home they are able to stabilize, choose to participate in supportive services and begin to recover from the chaos and danger of living on the streets.” –Daniel Malone, DESC Executive Director
“At Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County, we believe everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live. Accomplishing this has been made more challenging for some – and, for others, nearly impossible – as our region faces an unprecedented affordability crisis. We are grateful to the Office of Housing for this funding and to Mayor Harrell for his ongoing commitment to affordable homeownership.” – Brett D‘Antonio, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County
For more information on the City of Seattle’s affordable housing initiatives, please visit seattle.gov/housing. You can view more information about individual projects here.
Director Maiko Winkler-Chin will be available for a media availability on Wednesday, May 24 at 11am. Please contact Nona Raybern to confirm your press availability with your name, phone number, and media organization or publication.
