Showing posts with label housing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housing. Show all posts

Community garden for Ballinger Commons residents

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Community garden at Ballinger Commons
Photo by Johanna Polit

By Larry Lowery

Ballinger Commons residents will be able to test out their green thumbs this year as work continues on the development of a community garden. Property manager Kimberly Travis says additional fruit trees are being planted, and a small pond will be added to the area along 1st Avenue, north of the 195th Trail.

Photo by Johanna Polit

Until two years ago, the area was visible as a gated pump house and pool that provided water for Holyrood Cemetery. The wire enclosure has been replaced by a lower wooden fence, the area has been graded, a gravel pathway added, and irrigation installed.

Bee hives at Ballinger Commons
Photo by Wes Brandon
A year ago, residents gathered to celebrate the new amenity with the introduction of two beehives. Travis says the bees have been busy producing enough honey to fill 100 jars that were given to residents.

(See previous article)  

With good weather, the area should be ready for planting later this Spring, with food production this Summer and Fall.

The garden is another new amenity for residents in the 77-acre apartment complex between 195th and 205th and Meridian and First Avenue. 

Two years ago, an off-leash dog park was added, and a community clubhouse was renovated with the addition of new furniture.

Ballinger Commons, with 485 residents in 27 buildings, is owned by King County Housing Authority and is managed by Security Properties Residential.

It is located between NE 205th and NE 195th and Meridian and 1st Ave NE.





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Op-Ed: The Middle is Missing and We Need to Find It

Saturday, March 11, 2023

By Donna Hawkey

There is a middle housing crisis, and Community Land Trusts (CLT) can help solve this problem in perpetuity.

I’ve lived in Lake Forest Park for over 25 years - yet, if I were to try to move here now, I could not afford it. 

I have seen smaller, more affordable houses torn down and million-dollar houses go up in their place.

From a demographic standpoint it means our community is becoming less diverse as millennials, workers such as teachers, social workers, and our own city workers are no longer able to afford to live in many of our communities.

Community Land Trusts (CLT) are one solution that allows one to afford a house and gain equity at the same time.

How? The land the house is on is not part of the cost of buying the house. As a result, the buyer only pays for the house, not the land. The house gains equity and in seven years on average a homeowner can sell their house and buy a new house at market rate. Unlike the traditional housing market, CLT homes remain affordable for every new buyer.

Want to learn more?

Tuesday March 14, 2023 at 7:00pm Kathleen Hosfeld, Executive Director of Homestead Community Land Trust will present to The City of Lake Forest Park Planning Commission. 

Homestead, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has been in existence for 30 years strengthening communities throughout the Puget Sound region by making housing dreams happen.

The March 14th Lake Forest Park Planning Commission meeting is a hybrid format for both in-person attendance and via Zoom. https://www.cityoflfp.gov/109/Planning-Commission

If you know of a property owner who could benefit from a possible tax incentive through a donation to a CLT please contact Kathleen Hosfeld at Kathleen@homesteadclt.org.



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UPDATED: Shoreline Planning Commission: Cottage Housing Public Outreach

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

UPDATE: Meeting Cancelled:

The Planning Commission meeting tonight (11/17) to discuss cottage housing has been cancelled. They did not have a quorum (a majority of commission members) able to attend tonight’s meeting. The cottage housing agenda item is now on the December 1, 2022 Planning Commission meeting agenda. A revised packet will be published online, the staff report about cottage housing is staying the same.

By Pam Cross

The Shoreline Planning Commission will hear public outreach regarding Cottage Housing at their Thursday December 1, 2022 meeting. The meeting will take place in Council Chambers at Shoreline City Hall from 7:00pm to 9:59pm.

All residents are encouraged to attend the meeting. Planning Commission meetings are now hybrid. This means you can attend in person at City Hall, view live, or listen over the telephone.


The City’s consultant, Blueline, has prepared a public outreach summary report which includes feedback from the online survey, the focus groups, and the open house.

A detailed staff report has been prepared for the meeting. City staff will ask Planning Commission for initial guidance on the cottage code including the type of review process and what development standards the code should focus on. After the meeting, draft code writing will begin.

Cottages are a residential form of development, so residential zones appear to be the most appropriate place to permit this kind of development. Public feedback largely indicated this type of housing should be designed thoughtfully.

Cottages are aimed at people who are “middle” income. They are some of the most affordable housing types on a cost-per-square-foot basis. In general, these housing types are more affordable than traditional single-family homes and provide a wider range of design and locational choices than apartment buildings. 

Middle housing has the potential to add compatible density into established neighborhoods and can grant more households an opportunity to build wealth through homeownership.

One of the most frequent complaints heard at Council Meetings is the lack of information provided to the residents in advance of changes to city codes. This is your opportunity to follow these developments and provide your input as the discussions continue.


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Sign up with United Way of King County to see if you qualify for Rental Assistance

Thursday, November 3, 2022


(SEATTLE)— United Way of King County is distributing rental assistance payments on behalf of King County, and residents now have another opportunity to register to receive rental payments. United Way is currently processing applications from its waiting list to disburse 12 months’ rent to households that qualify.

In May, King County officials placed United Way in charge of the county’s emergency rental assistance program. Since then, United Way has churned out about $1 million a week in rental assistance — the equivalent of about 85 households each receiving nine months of back rent and three months of future rent. 

Previously applications were processed from the County’s rental assistance tenant portal that closed in February in order to accommodate only those who could be served with remaining funds.

But thanks to recent additional funding, the County was able to process the names of everyone on its rental assistance portal. United Way’s waiting list—launched in March after the County’s portal closed on February 28.

That means if you’re not already on the waiting list, you need to log on to United Way’s Get Help With Rent page to sign up. Though being placed on the waiting list in no way guarantees rental assistance payments, it is the first step for consideration.

“We are working across nine other agencies to get the funds out in the community,” said Jake Janesch, United Way program manager for rental assistance and homeless prevention. 
“Each of the agencies is focused on providing case management to families. And United Way is doing both case management and also focusing on communication, payments and grievances."

That distribution will continue at least through May of 2023, thanks to additional County funding. Funds to households range from $8,000-$11,000, depending on family size, and rental assistance payments go directly to property owners.



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Planning Commission to hear a summary of public outreach on cottage housing

Cottage housing

The Shoreline Planning Commission will convene on Thursday November 17, 2022 at 7pm to hear a summary of the public engagement process regarding cottage housing.

Cottage housing is a group of one to one and a half story detached structures arranged around a shared court or open space area that is visible from the street. 

A consultant is compiling all of the feedback city staff received from July to October from surveys, focus groups and the open house and identifying major themes which will be presented to Planning Commission. 

At this meeting city staff will ask the Planning Commission for initial guidance on the cottage code including the type of review process and what development standards the code should focus on. After the meeting, draft code writing will begin.

Spring of 2023, the draft will be ready for public view

The most recent public outreach was a cottage housing virtual open house on October 5, 2022. The presentation has been posted online along with a question and answer sheet from the open house, addressing zoning, sustainability, safety, traffic, foreign investors, and other forms of housing.

Other materials are available on the city's cottage housing website: www.shorelinewa.gov/cottagehousing

Video of the October presentation is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKidqXhaljQ (the presentation is about 30 minutes)



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Op-Ed: NUHSA strongly encourages a YES vote on Shoreline's Prop 1

Monday, October 31, 2022

OP-ED
From Heidi Shepherd, Board President NUHSA

Ballots have been mailed, and Shoreline voters now must vote on Prop. 1, the maintenance and operations levy for public safety and community services. The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) strongly encourages a YES vote!

The pandemic has had severe consequences for many in our community, and families are still struggling. From mental and physical health challenges to food scarcity and a lack of stable housing, residents have relied on the critical support Shoreline has provided during the pandemic and the infrastructure that the City has carefully built in partnership with area providers and agencies.

State law limits an increase in tax revenue unless authorized by a vote of the people, and because funding for basic City services (including that of human services) has not kept pace with rising costs, approval of Prop. 1 is essential to simply maintain current services. 

This includes critical community services funding for seniors, youth, and families in need, along with homelessness response services and staffing for the successful RADAR program that provides mental health professionals with police to assist community members in behavioral health crises.

If the proposed levy replacement does not pass, the City will be forced to reduce or eliminate services to balance the City’s budget, as required by law - and first on the chopping block will be those programs the City is not legally required to provide. 

At risk is support for human services, such as the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, the Teen Center and programs for children and young families, in addition to neighborhood services, community events, homelessness outreach, communications, parks maintenance, recreation programs, and cultural programming.

Renewing the levy is absolutely critical for maintaining the health and human services residents expect and ensuring a strong and vibrant community for everyone. Vote YES on Prop. 1!



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Hopelink has financial help for renters in Lake Forest Park

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Hopelink’s Financial Assistance Program is offering financial aid to those affected by the pandemic in order to prevent evictions and assist with move-in costs for renters in Lake Forest Park.

If you’re behind on rent or having trouble making the high up-front costs for a new place, call Hopelink today!

Who qualifies?
  • Must be currently renting or moving into a rental unit in Lake Forest Park.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic affected your finances.
  • Household income be at or below 50% AMI (area median income) or 200% FPL (federal poverty level)
YOU MUST APPLY BEFORE NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Call your local Hopelink Center in Shoreline at 206-440-7300 to apply or visit https://www.hopelink.org/need-help/financial-assistance to learn more about the program.

*If you want to learn about other Hopelink programs, please visit our website https://www.hopelink.org

Hopelink offers Food Assistance, Transportation Services, Adult Education programs, and much more!



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Cottage Housing is returning to Shoreline with new regulations

Friday, September 30, 2022

Example of cottage housing on a cul-de-sac

By Pam Cross

Cottage housing is a type of "missing middle" housing that generally allows for small 1 or 2 story houses arranged around a common interior courtyard.

“Missing middle” housing represents the price gap between apartments or townhouses and single family detached homes. Cottage houses are small and may allow for naturally moderate-income housing that is well suited to seniors and small families. They blend easily in single family neighborhoods, appearing similar to single family houses from the street.

The City of Shoreline had cottage housing regulations and permitted some cottage housing developments from 2000-2004. Some developments were more successful than others at achieving the community’s vision for cottage housing. The old regulations were repealed in 2006. To date there are 56 cottage homes across seven developments in Shoreline.

As part of public outreach, there was a virtual meeting of the Cottage Housing Focus Group on September 2, 2022. It was attended by representatives from the Echo Lake, Ridgecrest, Richmond Beach and Hillwood neighborhoods. There were lively discussions about parking, tree retention and landscaping, as well as suggestions for amenities such as the ability to charge electric cars.

Example of cottage housing around a central courtyard

Now there is an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts about cottage housing.

Shoreline residents are invited to a virtual open house on Zoom about cottage housing on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

The open house is a time for you to learn about cottage housing and a time for the city to listen to your thoughts about cottage housing. There will be a presentation about cottage housing (what is it, why is the city doing this), a project update, general questions and answers, and then small group discussions where you can share your opinions about cottage housing in Shoreline with a member of city staff.

Registration is required.

Zoom Registration: Registration in advance is required and you can register at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvd-iqrj4qGNFwg4ff3ZFzV_5NaZ0cSmXc

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you are unable to make it, the presentation will be recorded and posted on the project webpage at: www.shorelinewa.gov/cottagehousing



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Cottage Housing virtual open house October 5, 2022

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Cottage housing photo by Sightline Institute
Cottage Housing Virtual Open House, Wednesday, October 5, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Online Offering from the City of Shoreline

You are invited to a virtual open house Zoom meeting to learn about cottage housing in Shoreline.

Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

If you are unable to make it, the presentation will be recorded and posted on the City’s Cottage Housing website.



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Renter Protection and Eviction Prevention: Keeping People Housed in North King County

Friday, September 16, 2022

Housing discussion on Zoom October 14 at noon
Renters in North King County (NKC) and throughout the region are being squeezed between rising housing costs and a lack of affordable options. 

Join us as we look at the situation of renters after more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and learn some of the policy solutions that cities around the county are considering to better protect renters and improve housing stability.

Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig will provide opening remarks and share how his city has led the way in advancing renter protections in NKC.

Community leaders, advocates and residents are all welcome and encouraged to attend!

Hosted by the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) and presented by the Stay Housed Stay Healthy Coalition. 

Register here. Questions? Contact staff@nuhsa.org

Friday, October 14, 2022, Noon to 1:15pm  

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King County welcomes Simon P. Foster as new Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Division Director

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Simon Foster, Division Director for King County
Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development
The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) proudly announces and warmly welcomes Simon P. Foster as the new Division Director for Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development.

Foster brings more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives, operationalizing programs and policies, and connecting with communities. 

Foster led teams among a diverse range of industries, including behavioral health, transportation, homelessness, and federal and state funding programs. 

Foster most recently led operations for the Salvation Army Northwest Division during the pandemic and oversaw outreach, social service programs, and domestic violence outreach services.

“I am thrilled to step into this role and serve the people of King County on some of the most complex and pressing issues in our region,” said Foster. “Throughout my career, I have prioritized building connections—connections with community and connections between industries and organizations to get results. 

"The housing affordability crisis coupled with the homelessness crisis impacts every sector in our region, and we are collectively responsible for sustainable, long-term solutions. 

"King County can’t solve these issues alone, and I look forward to working with the team, partnering with city and state leaders, communities, philanthropic organizations, providers and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to further our progress.”

In this role, Foster will oversee the Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development Division within DCHS that directly funds programs and provides services around housing stability. 

This division’s work includes the Health Through Housing Initiative, a regional approach to address chronic homelessness at a countywide scale, oversees implementation of Anti-Displacement Strategies for the Skyway-West Hill and North Highline neighborhoods, the County’s Housing Repair Program, staffs the Affordable Housing Committee, and manages the transit-oriented affordable housing bond program. 

The division is primarily focused on growing affordable housing stock, strengthening housing stability, and reducing displacement of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color across the county.

DCHS oversees a wide range of programs ranging from youth and young adults to seniors and veterans

The department funds services for children, people with developmental disabilities, housing and community development, homelessness services, behavioral health, veterans' services, help for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and education and employment programs for youth and adults.



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Snohomish county purchasing Edmonds SR 99 hotel for "bridge housing"

Thursday, September 1, 2022

By Bob Throndsen
Republished from MyEdmondsNews.com

A major change to help those experiencing homelessness is coming to Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. Snohomish County plans to buy the America’s Best Value Inn on Highway 99 in Edmonds, which will provide 55 units of what’s called “bridge housing.”

Assuming approval by the Snohomish County Council, the purchase will mark the first time this type of housing will be available in South Snohomish County.

Bridge housing is designed to provide immediate shelter in a stable environment, with 24/7 support services. It is considered a first step toward permanent housing and comes with medical and mental health help, job services and other immediate needs. 

Kelsey Nyland, with the county’s office of recovery and resilience, said that providers in South County “have been asking for this for a long time; the need is vast across the county.”

“The county’s purchase of the America’s Best Value Inn is a natural fit,” said Shannon Burley, who oversees the City of Edmonds human services division. The city and other nonprofits already use vouchers to send people to the Best Value Inn for a few nights of emergency shelter. 
Burley thinks that “through partnerships with the county and nonprofit service providers, individuals will receive much needed wraparound care and services. This is a great addition for South Snohomish County.”

In the last week, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has announced three new initiatives to dramatically increase temporary housing and health services for the homeless. 

The county is creating 36 new shelter and behavioral health units; announced the purchase of Everett’s Days Inn, providing 74 housing units; and now the Best Value Inn. That means 165 new housing units just this year – a 26% increase in the ability to shelter people.

The county is buying the Best Value Inn — located at 22127 Highway 99 — with $9.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic recovery money. 

“We can provide safer places for vulnerable residents, create stability to support communities’ overall health and wellbeing,” Somers said.

The Snohomish County Council is expected to confirm the purchase of both the Everett and Edmonds locations at its Wednesday meeting. It will be early fall before the deal closes, and county crews will decide if repairs or renovations are needed. The Edmonds property should be ready to accept applicants early next year.

The Edmonds City Council does not have to vote on the purchase; county approval is all that is needed.

America's Best Value Inn purchased by Snohomish County

The county will contract with local mental and physical health professionals to staff the Best Value Inn 24/7. Only single adults or adult couples — no children — will be housed in both of the county properties. The housing will accept those who are going through substance abuse treatment. The nonprofits supervising the units will vet applicants.

Regarding security for the Hotels, Nyland said that it is “really crucial to make sure we have staff available at the facility 24/7.” She said the county had not yet made decisions about providing on-site security but added that “when there is 24/7 (staffing) the need for emergency services really decreases.”

Verdant Health Superintendent Lisa Edwards praised the county plan: “This project will help ensure unhoused South County community members can access essential services that support wellness and guide them towards permanent housing,” she said.

Brad Smith, chief operating officer for Volunteers of America, Western Washington, said: “This is a fantastic development and comes at a time when the challenges facing our community have never been higher. Housing stability will always be the first step towards self-sufficiency, and this will provide that path forward.”

Compass Health President Tom Sebastian agreed: “A key component of our work involves helping community members access housing on their paths to recovery, and we applaud Snohomish County for making it a priority to increase crucial housing resources in our area,” he said.

You can find additional information on the county’s recovery plans at www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery



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King County announces new operators for Health Through Housing buildings in Auburn and Federal Way

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Photo courtesy King County

King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) announced the selection of two new operators for Health Through Housing buildings in Auburn and Federal Way. These two buildings will move one step further toward implementation with openings forecasted by the end of 2022.

The two organizations will coordinate the 24/7 onsite operations at each location. Compass Housing Alliance will operate the former Clarion Inn at 916th Street NW in Auburn and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle will operate the former Extended Stay America on 320th Street in Federal Way.

“We are excited for Urban League and Compass Housing to join the team of Health Through Housing providers that will house 1,600 people experiencing or at risk of chronic homelessness,” said Leo Flor, DCHS Director. 

“Health Through Housing is a key part of the solution to housing people experiencing chronic homelessness in our region, and both operators take a human-centered, community-based approach to the services they provide. These two buildings and the partnerships that make them possible will bring 200 people home this year.”

Compass Housing is a long-time operator of supportive housing and services for people experiencing homelessness, and Urban League is a new addition to the Health Through Housing program. 

While Urban League is a first-time operator of supportive housing, this organization has historically provided housing and services to people of color who make up a disproportionate share of the homeless population.

"The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has served this region's Black and underserved communities for more than 90 years. The County recognizes that the best care and response comes from those who look like the people they are serving. 
"We are a first-time operator of supportive housing, but we are experts in uplifting and supporting our community and look forward to partnering with the Federal Way community and others to bring our most marginalized friends and neighbors inside," said Michelle Merriweather, President / CEO of Urban League.

“Compass Housing Alliance is excited about this opportunity to bring our expertise and compassion to Auburn,” said Mary Steele, Executive Director at Compass Housing Alliance. “We believe that supportive housing like what is offered through the Health Through Housing partnership is the key to addressing homelessness and housing instability across the county.”

The selected operators will begin their hiring processes to assemble staff to provide a range of 24/7 services and supports for the residents who will make one of the two buildings their new home. The operators will also work to engage local area residents and city leaders as the planning for occupancy takes shape.

To date, King County has acquired 980 rooms and housed nearly 600 people in Health Through Housing buildings. King County anticipates another five buildings opening to new residents by early 2023.



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Northaven West grand opening Saturday at Northgate

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Sen. David Frockt speaks at the opening of Northaven West
From 46th District Legislator Gerry Pollet

Excited that today was grand opening for Northaven West which has housing for seniors at 30% and 50% median income. Just north of Northgate at 112th. 

It's part of integrated services at Northaven, so meals, health, social can all be shared. Studios are available for $950 for seniors at the 50% median income level. The 30% income units are snapped up.

Senator Frockt (photo) has been a long time champion for so many housing efforts. He, Rep Valdez and I have worked closely with Northaven in this and other projects. 

Northaven is an unique nonprofit that has recognized the need for innovative senior health and housing services.

--
Rep. Pollet, Rep. Valdez, and Sen. Frockt represent the 46th Legislative District. Lake Forest Park was in the 46th LD but moved to the 1st LD with redistricting.



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DESC opens 100 new homes for people experiencing homelessness

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

DESC's The North Star - grand opening Thursday July 21

Amid unprecedented homelessness in the city of Seattle, the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) is opening 100 new apartments in the Bitter Lake area for adults with disabilities who have been experiencing homelessness.

The public is invited to the grand opening of DESC’s The North Star, on Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 10am - 12:30pm, at 924 N 143rd St, Seattle

The opening includes a chance to take a self-guided tour around the building and learn more about DESC’s programming across the city. Masks are required when indoors, and parking around the building is limited.

With this opening, DESC is bringing 322 people into housing from the streets and shelters so far in 2022.

This is the second permanent supportive housing project DESC has opened in the past six months, as the second phase of Hobson Place welcomed 92 tenants in January. In June DESC also opened 130 spaces of emergency housing at Health Through Housing Northgate.

The North Star features 100 studio apartments with 24/7 supportive services, plus case management offices, lounge space, activity space, a private courtyard for tenants, meal service twice a day and a front desk staffed around the clock. Tenants will move in in early August.

The Seattle Office of Housing (OH), the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission's 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are paying for the $29 million project. Bank of America is the construction lender. DESC will own and operate the building.

This project is one of six that OH selected in August 2020 to receive funding toward permanent housing with wraparound supportive services. OH offered an accelerated application and funding process to get the new units built and operating as quickly as possible.

DESC partnered with Bellwether Housing to buy property and develop the project. SMR Architects designed the building, Exxel Pacific is the building contractor and Fazio Associates are the landscape architects. Other project team members are civil engineers Latitude 48, structural engineers Atlas Design Group and MEP consultant Sider / Byers Associates.

King County’s Health Through Housing program will provide most of the operating funds for The North Star.

DESC helps people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment and housing. For more information, visit desc.org.



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New Mural at Compass Ronald Commons

Saturday, July 2, 2022

Artist Sydney Simmons with her Ronald Commons mural - photo by Karoline Simmons

Article and photo by Kathy Plant

A colorful new mural is now brightening the playground/garden area of Compass Ronald Commons thanks to the design and painting work of college student Sydney Simmons. 

Sydney and her family are members of Shoreline Covenant Church so when Corinne McKisson, Program Manager, expressed a desire for a mural, the church's Serve Locally Committee knew exactly who within their congregation could meet that need. 

Sydney came up with an engaging design and quickly created the mural.

Ronald Commons is an affordable housing development in Shoreline at 178th St between Aurora Ave N and Linden Ave N. Approximately 50 children reside in the development but they will not be the only ones appreciating her cheerful mural. 

Thanks Sydney for using your talents to benefit our community.

Correction: the photo is by Karoline Simmons

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City of Kenmore partners with Plymouth Housing Group to build 100 units of affordable housing downtown

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Affordable housing to be built in Kenmore
The City of Kenmore has partnered with Plymouth Housing Group to build an affordable housing development in downtown Kenmore at 6532 Bothell Way NE

The development will include 100 units, a mix of studios and one-bedroom apartments, to serve residents at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI).

With King County facing a regional housing crisis, increasing affordable housing is currently the number one priority of the Kenmore City Council. 

The goals of this project include providing deeply affordable housing units that are cost efficient, high quality, sustainably designed, and will increase the density of housing. The 100 planned units would serve a resident population of seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and formerly homeless individuals. 

Planned amenities include an outdoor courtyard, community room and kitchen, case management office space, and ground floor commercial space that may house a community clinic.

At its June 21, 2022 meeting, the Kenmore City Council approved the City’s partnership with Plymouth as well as the use of $3.2 million of the City’s American Rescue Plan Act funds for this effort. 

The City will be donating the City-owned property for the project and is partnering with A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) whose Executive Board approved $3 million in ARCH Trust Fund dollars to this effort at its meeting on June 9, 2022. The estimated total project cost is $37.5 million.

“Finding affordable housing at 30% AMI aimed at seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans has been something we have been working towards for many years and this work is very near and dear to my heart,” said Councilmember David Baker. 
“I am so happy to see the work we put in has paid off. We want to thank Plymouth Housing Group for their partnership with the City of Kenmore on this project.”

The City received three strong proposals to develop the property, ultimately selecting Plymouth Housing Group. Plymouth Housing Group has worked in the region for 40 years with the mission to eliminate homelessness and address its causes by preserving, developing and operating safe, quality, supportive housing and by providing adults experiencing homelessness with opportunities to stabilize and improve their lives.

Construction for the project is slated to begin in mid-2023 with an opening planned for December 2024.

Visit the project website for more information and updates: www.kenmorewa.gov/affordablehousing



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First residents move into Northgate Health Through Housing (HTH) location

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Photo courtesy King County

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Wednesday that the Northgate Health Through Housing (HTH) location will begin welcoming people to their new homes on Thursday. 

The Northgate location was purchased in July 2021 and has a total of 115 available units, 20 of which will be reserved for double occupancy. More than 130 people are scheduled to move in this month. This is the fifth opening since the Health Through Housing initiative began, purchasing former hotels last year and preparing them to serve as permanent supportive housing in the region.

“Last year, we set out an ambitious plan to tackle chronic homelessness in our region, and we are making good on that promise, with 971 units purchased to date and nearly 500 opened homes. 

"And now, before this month ends, another 135 people will have a safe and stable place to call home,” said Executive Constantine. 

“King County will continue to push ahead on our Health Through Housing – steadily selecting operators, opening new locations, and serving residents with the wraparound services they need to take command of their lives.”

He was joined by Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) Executive Director Daniel Malone. They discussed the initiative, progress to date, and what county residents can expect to see from the program between now and the end of the year.

"DESC's Health Through Housing Northgate is our next step in providing what we used to call ‘shelter’, evolving from the major changes we made early in the pandemic. Those changes, made to keep people safe, also turned out to be better for our guests overall, reducing stress and allowing them to stabilize and pursue goals," said DESC Executive Director Daniel Malone. 

"And just as we do in our permanent supportive housing, we will have 24/7 staffing, with supportive services for our guests. As Health Through Housing continues and units become permanent supportive housing, the 1,600 units will be the single greatest commitment to bringing PSH to the scale our community needs."

The Northgate Health Through Housing building is located at 13300 Stone Avenue N, Seattle, WA (Maps link)


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VFW Post 3348 and the Shoreline Compass Veterans Center

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Chris Christophersen and members of VFW Post 3348 present a check and gift cards to Shree Vigil at the Shoreline Compass Veterans Center. Photo from VFW Post 3348.

By Carl “Chris” Christophersen
Post Commander VFW Post 3348

VFW Post 3348 just presented 25 gift cards ($50 each) to Program Manager, Shree Vigil, of the Shoreline Veterans Center (SVC) – 1 of 14 facilities owned and run by the Compass Housing Alliance (CHA) -- funded by King County. 

SVC is setup to house 25 formerly homeless veterans (21 male and 4 female) -- no children. CHA has other facilities that accept families. 

Each veteran at SVC must pass an interview with the VA. There are no requirements for income and in fact some of the residents have zero income.

The Shoreline Compass Veterans Center is on N 200th across from Aurora Village

Each resident has their own room with a lockable door, a set of dishes and silverware, electricity, hand soap and towels, heat, a bed with covers, a mini refrigerator, a dresser, a closet, and a desk. While there is no running water in each room -- rooms are in pods (3-5 rooms) where each pod has a restroom and a bathroom.

None of the residents are provided any cooked meals daily -- but there is a large community kitchen (2 stoves, a cooler, a freezer, a microwave, a toaster, 2 sinks and a garbage disposal) for their use.

There is a separate storage room where residents can borrow fry pans, pots, spatulas, and some donated canned goods. Those with no income get VA Vouchers, $350 monthly food stamps and donations from friends, family and caring citizens. Annie’s Community Kitchen in Edmonds supplies them one cooked dinner per week. Several residents get Meals-on-Wheels. 

Veterans sell poppies to raise money
SVC is staffed 24/7/365 and always welcomes individual-sized food donations.

In addition, VFW Post 3348 donated $1,500 toward a kitchen remodel that Shree wants to get done. 

The funding source of these donations came from our recent Memorial Day Buddy Poppy event that we held at the Shoreline Fred Meyer, Central Market, and the Thrashers Corner Fred Meyer in Bothell. 

Other than SVC, we donated an additional $5,000 to other organizations that service veterans.



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North King County State of Affordable Housing Wednesday noon to 1pm

Monday, May 9, 2022


Join us on Wednesday May 11, 2022 as we celebrate the work North King County (NKC) cities are doing to create more options for affordable housing.

This event will provide a snapshot of the landscape in NKC, with brief presentations from city council members and staff from Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Shoreline. There will be an opportunity for Q / A and information for becoming more involved in your city!

Event: North King County State of Affordable Housing
Date: Wednesday, May 11th
Time: noon to 1 p.m.
Where: online via Zoom
Register Here:

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