Preserving Affordable Housing: $20M Boost for 873 Homes

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Affordable housing from Seattle to Spokane is getting a $19.8 million leg up to su 873 homes, the Department of Commerce reports.

The statewide endeavor is aimed at housing vulnerable Washingtonians through the state's Housing Preservation Program, according to Commerce, and will go towards 31 different housing providers.

"Repairs and maintenance costs play a bigger role than ever in preserving affordable housing," said Commerce Director Mike Fong. "Housing Preservation Program investments are an important way to extend the service of affordable housing that is already available, ensuring these projects can serve communities around the state for generations."

Nine of the awarded projects lie in King County, while 22 span 13 other counties, Commerce reports further.

They include Views at Madison run by Bellwether Housing in Seattle, Hoffman Apartments administered by Community Frameworks, and Triumph Treatment Services Emergency Shelter Renovation operated by Triumph Treatment Services.

Properties were prioritized based on the urgency of repair backlogs, potential safety issues, and the financial means of their owners, according to Commerce.

Commerce reports that Washington will need to build 1.1 million more homes in 20 years' time to meet soaring housing demand for pocketbooks of every size.

For this round of funding, Commerce reports that 72 applications were submitted to the department requesting $56 million in state grants.