A PUBLICATION OF THE LOW INCOME HOUSING INSTITUTE J U LY 2 0 0 9

INSIDE $145 Million Housing Seattle 3 Housing Levy Levy on November Ballot 2009 Legislative 4 Update By Sharon Lee or homelessness because of economic condi- On June 15 the voted tions would also be able to access temporary Congress Passes unanimously to place a $145 million housing and short-term rental assistance. 5 HEARTH Act levy on the November ballot with the goal of Mayor Nickels proposed his levy package producing 1,670 rental units and 180 home to City Council after receiving recommenda- HUD FY ownership units for low-income families and tions from a citizen’s advisory committee 6 2010 Budget individuals. The city’s current $86 million co-chaired by former mayors and property-tax levy for housing, passed in 2002, . The advisory committee had Housing Renovation expires at the end of this year. originally recommended a larger levy at $167 7 & Green Jobs Program In May, Mayor announced million, but this was cut back by the mayor. his proposal to renew Seattle’s housing levy. During testimony before City Council, Adams Square Family He proposed a seven-year, $145 million housing advocates including the Seattle/ Center in Tacoma 8 package that would go toward building and King County Coalition for the Homeless preserving affordable housing in the city for (SKCCH), Displacement Coalition, Low City Club of Seattle Income Housing Institute, Real Change and Hosts Forum renters and first-time home buyers. Low-in- 9 come residents at risk of losing their housing others also urged the council to consider a larger package. SKCCH noted that: HB 2331 10 Signed “At least 8,961 people were counted during the 2009 One Night Count of people who are homeless in 11 Housing Briefs King County.” The levy requires a simple majority of Seattle voters for passage. The cost 12 Tools for Action to an average homeowner would be about $79 per year, or $6.60 per month. The seven year levy is estimated to cost $0.17 per $1,000 assessed valuation and will cost $30 more compared with the 2002 Levy at $49 per year. The increase cost for the 2009 levy takes into consideration inflation and the significantly higher costs for land, development and construction compared with the 2002 levy. Councilman Richard McIver, chair of the City Council’s Housing and Eco- nomic Development Committee, led A great deal of affordable housing, such as the Denice Hunt the effort to place the levy on the ballot. Townhomes built by the Low Income Housing Institute in North Seattle, was built with funding from the most recent City of Seattle continued on page 2 Housing Levy. people who are disabled, and people $145 Million Seattle Housing Levy transitioning from homelessness. on November Ballot Yes! • Acquisition and Opportunity continued from front page I want to receive Housing Washington. Loan Fund – $6.5 million in levy Please add me to your mailing list. “The levy is proven as an effective tool funds can be used to buy land or for stabilizing families, individuals and buildings that would be developed I would like to subscribe: neighborhoods,” noted McIver. into affordable housing. Free to low income individuals The housing levy funds would be • Rental Assistance – $4.2 million allocated as follows: $20 individual in short-term rental assistance for $30 community-based organization • Rental Housing – $104 million for 550 low-income households (up to rental production and preservation, 50% of area median income) to help $50 public agency or private business creating or preserving 1,670 units. preserve their housing, preventing After listening to testimony from eviction and homelessness. Please make checks to Housing Washington. housing advocates, the City Council • Administration – The remaining voted to increase the number of Name: $13.2 million would go to adminis- units serving extremely low-income ter the levy programs. Agency: households. The mayor proposed that at least 55% of the capital funds Seattle voters are generous and Address: would be reserved for renters making caring. Since 1981, the citizens of Seattle have approved four ballot less than 30% of the area median City: income ($20,250 per year for a two- measures to subsidize affordable hous- person household). The remaining ing. In 1981, a $48.2 million bond State: Zip: funds would be reserved for people measures was passed to build 1,000 making between 30% and 80% units for low-income seniors. Three of the area median income. The Seattle housing levies were passed in Council voted to increase housing to 1986, 1995 and 2002. The most recent Housing Washington newsletter is those most in need by requiring that 2002 housing levy was passed with published quarterly by the Low Income 54% voter approval and generated Housing Institute. The newsletter is at least 60% of the funds would ben- available to individuals and organizations $86 million over seven years. efit households at/or below 30% of concerned with increasing the supply area median income. Furthermore, For every levy dollar spent, the city of affordable, low-income housing for the Council voted that no more estimates that about $3 is leveraged residents of Washington state. than 10% of the funds should serve from other sources, including HUD, households between 61% and 80% the State Housing Trust Fund and EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sharon Lee of area median income. private investor tax credits. The 2009 • Homebuyer Assistance levy is estimated to create 3,140 jobs EDITOR – $9.1 Joshua Okrent million to assist first-time homebuy- and generate $189 million in construc- ers in purchasing 180 homes. This tion and other economic activity. CONTRIBUTORS The 2002 levy has produced or Donald Chamberlain, Lynette S. Grubbs, funding would be used to make Alexandra Ingram, Sharon Lee, loans to first-time homebuyers with preserved 2,011 apartments; helped homebuyers purchase 211 houses or and Aaron Long

www.lihi.org incomes at or below 80% of the

condos; and provided rent assistance GRAPHIC DESIGN area median income ($51,200 for a Ray Braun Design two-person household). The Council to 4,144 households, according to the

2 0 0 9 Seattle Office of Housing. A survey of adopted language to ensure long-term Housing Washington welcomes news (50 years) affordability in home own- 800 people conducted in March showed items and written contributions. Please JULY ership programs through community that 73% of those surveyed believe that send information of interest to: land trusts or deed restrictions. in this economic downturn, it is more Housing Washington important than ever to keep investing in Low Income Housing Institute • Operating and Maintenance low-income housing programs. 2407 1st Avenue, Suite 200 (O & M) – $7.9 million to help Seattle, WA 98121-1311 Sharon Lee is the Executive Director of operate and maintain about 220 Phone: (206) 443-9935, ext. 156 the Low Income Housing Institute. For levy-funded units for 20 years and to Fax: (206) 443-9851 more information on the Seattle Housing supplement rent for residents who are E-mail: [email protected] Levy, visit the City of Seattle website at Web site: www.lihi.org. very low-income, including seniors, www.seattle.gov/housing/levy. Housing Washington

2 low-income Seattleites could have been ing more than200unitsofhousingfor • • • • housing levies: has stemmed from the previous and much of that improvement improved over the past 17 years, living inCentralSeattle offers. that medical andsocialsupports andthe entertainment to arts, housing securityandready access tocontinued I lookforward housing. AndasIapproach 60, monthly paymentsandstable from agreat location,affordable back on17years ofjoy resulting homeownership. Instead Icanlook nization, Ihadnearlygiven upon professional inanonprofit orga price of$110,000.Asayoung years agoforthenow unbelievable double lot,whichIpurchased 17 of Seattle. It’s a1904houseon in theJudkins Park neighborhood Chamberlain By Donald Seattle’s HousingLevy wanttorenew Seattle taxpayers in construction next door in construction condosbynew Homesight under Lofts, builtby ArtSpace, with80 Avenue, sittheHiawatha Artists And down thehill,by Rainier created by theUrban League School withmore rental housing the beautifullyredeveloped Colman Cross 23rd Avenue andyou’ll find living withHIV/AIDS disabled families,includingpeople from me– forlow-income and Apartments –rightacross thepark Changes, developed Judkins Park with myemployer Building Housing Resources Group, along opportunities affordable first-timehomebuyer Homesight hasoffered dozens of None ofthoseprojects, represent My neighborhood has greatly I own asmallandlovely home

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- “green light”thelevyforNovemberballot. Advocates ataSeattleCityCouncildemandedthatcouncil Low Income Housing Coalition, so I sitontheboard oftheNational and parks andlightrailhousing! proud ofSeattle people forsupporting Yet Ipaymytaxes cheerfully, andIam bondmeasure. levy orevery every proposition! – nohousingforthem:aninhuman involvement aswell. No levyfunds issues, typicallywithpastcriminal mental healthandchemicaladdiction with been homelessandstruggle living withHIV/AIDSwhohave forindividuals on- andoff-siteservices, It provides with 18apartments, Group andSound Mental Health. collaboration withHousing Resources Kenyon Housing, resulted from a them required levyfundstogetbuilt. received nationalrecognition. Allof County. Several ofourprojects have housinginSeattlesupportive andKing more than160unitsofpermanent provided by thehousinglevy. developed withouttheseedfunding I don’t approve ballotissue, every Our mostrecent development, Building Changeshas created

May 12,2009. meeting oftheSeattle City Councilon was presented by Mr. Chamberlain ata Washington).ThisHousing oftestimony Building Changes(formerly AIDS Evaluation, andPolicy Strategist at Donald Chamberlain isResearch, plain makessense. resources inourcommunity. It just on helpingthosewiththefewest Don’t letusdown! Maintain thefocus prosperity. children, ourcommunity andour of investing –investing inour just tomaintainourcurrent level million ormore. We needthatmuch thelevyat$145 voters tosupport I asktocityofSeattle andSeattle by atleast$3more from othersources. invested inhousingwillbematched levydollar to callhome.Andevery individuals whowillhave aplace low-income families anddisabled consider alltheseniorsandchildren, for seven it,whenyou years isworth insurance andchildcare, too! Seattle taxpayers wantthislevy. Skipping 2lattes($6.60) amonth succeed inschool, a homeinorder to tion! Children need Home isthefounda affordable housing. creating andsustaining homelessness through in theprevention of wisdom forinvesting to asabeaconof that Seattle islooked country. Iassure you from across the contact withpeers I routinely comein for groceries, gas, that theycanpay affordable rents so and parents need

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3 Housing Washington JULY 2 0 0 9 www.lihi.org 2009 Legislative Action on Housing Issues By Joshua Okrent and Alexandra Ingram the legislative interim to Washington state’s 2009 legisla- restore full funding in tive session adjourned on April 26. future sessions. The 105-day session was notable for GA-U: Saving finding multiple ways to cut expenses General Assistance- in order to deal with a $9 billion Unemployable was one budget shortfall. Unquestionably, the of the biggest victories of budget cuts included in the 2009-2011 the session. At one point state budget will increase financial during the session the pressure on both service providers and Governor had com- the low-income families they work pletely eliminated the with. However, there was also some cash grants and severely cause for optimism. Despite multiple cut the medical benefits. Washington state’s 2009 legislative session adjourned on April proposals to cut social service funding The $339 a month grant 26. The session was notable for finding multiple ways to cut even more drastically, by the end of to people temporarily expenses in order to deal with a $9 billion budget shortfall. the session many legislators came to disabled remained intact GA-U, ESAP, the Independent the realization that this was not the and health benefits will continue with Youth Housing Program and several moment to reduce help for people who an estimated savings of $38 million other programs which are dedicated are struggling the most. by switching assets to managed care. to ending homeless were funding Speaker of the House Frank Additionally, for the first time mental by the passage of HB 2331 which Chopp said that although the final health coverage will be included in the increases local real estate document state budget makes many cuts to GAU medical benefit. recording fee by $20, with all proceeds education and health programs, it did ESAP: The Emergency Shelter devoted to ending homelessness. 60% preserve the most crucial aspects of the Assistance Program was fully funded of the revenues would be kept at the social safety net. Chopp credited the at current levels of $10 million which county level to help implement local Democrats with adding $45 a week will allow the 200 agencies across the ten year plans to end homelessness, to unemployment benefits, protecting state that operate through ESAP to and the other 40% would be used the General Assistance program for provide temporary short-term emer- to maintain existing funding levels those who are unable to work and gency shelter and related interventions as much as possible for homelessness job-creating construction projects for to people and families who lack funds prevention programs. those who can work. to rent or purchase lodging. IYHP, the Independent Youth Among the most important THOR: The Transitional Housing Housing Program was funded by HB changes enacted during this session: Operating and Rent Program was 1492, and signed into law on April The Housing Trust Fund: The preserved and slightly increased to $10 24. The Independent Youth Housing Housing Trust Fund was cut in half, million. The THOR program provides www.lihi.org Program was created as a pilot program from $200 to $100 million, for the homeless families with children with by the 2006 legislature to provide 2009-2011 biennium. This cut will up to two years of rental assistance, rental assistance and case management 2 0 0 9 certainly delay the efforts of housing transitional facility operating subsidies, to eligible youth aging out of the state developers to ensure to build and pre- and case management to help them

JULY foster care system. serve much needed safe and affordable transition to permanent housing and HB 1227, which affects manufac- homes in our state, but until the final self-sufficiency. tured home communities, says that days legislators were considering a much TheIndependent Youth Housing cities and counties may not have an ordi- larger cut. Housing advocates mounted and Foster Care to 21 programs, nance that prevents the entry or requires a strong effort to pressure legislators which help prevent homelessness the removal of a recreational vehicle used in the House and Senate, and were among young adults, were preserved. as a primary residence in manufactured/ generally relieved to maintain the Trust The Foster Care to 21 program even mobile home communities. Fund at a reasonable level. Advocates received a small increase to serve more

Housing Washington have promised to work throughout young adults. continued on page 5

4 of the social safety net. safety social of the preserve crucial most the aspects health itdidtion and programs, to cuts educa many makes budget thatsaid althoughstate final the HouseChopp of the Speaker Frank homeless families and individuals back andhelptomoveneeded services, shelter, connect homelesspeopleto funds programs that provide emergency assistance program, created in 1987, housing within30days. become homelessreturn topermanent that individualsandfamilieswho establish anationwidegoalofensuring national plantoendhomelessnessand will alsocallforthedevelopment ofa Continuum ofCare Program. Thebill assistance programs intoasingle separate McKinney-Vento homeless Bond (R-MO),wouldconsolidatethe Jack Reed (D-RI)andChristopher The amendment,offered by Senators to meettheneedsofcommunities. programs andincrease theirflexibility programs thatwillstreamline the ment totheHUDMcKinney-Vento HEARTH Act isalongsoughtamend and Senate onApril 2, on May 20th.Introduced intheHouse signed intolawby President Obama U.S. House andSenate, andwas Act), passedoverwhelmingly inthe Transition toHousing Act (HEARTH Emergency AssistanceandRapid S. 896,whichcontainstheHomeless By AlexandraIngram Act President ObamaEnactstheHEARTH continued frompage4 Housing Issues 2009 Legislative Actionon The McKinney-Vento homeless The comprehensive housingbill,

2009, the - - 1663 supportive housing andprovidesupportive for thedevelopment ofpermanent will continuetoprovide incentives HUD’s homelessassistanceprograms homelessness prevention initiatives. and allocatesupto$440million for ness assistancegrantsby $600million, current levels offundingforhomeless assistance grantprograms, increases billion fortargetedhomelessness • • • • less assistanceprograms including: numerous changestoHUD’s home- The HEARTH Act willmake into safe, decent, and affordable housing. be required tovacate. notice, insteadof20,before theycan sure process, andgives them60days about theirrightsearlyintheforeclo renters receive noticeandinformation foreclosed by properties ensuringthat city for health and safety violations. their motel is shuttered by the state or option other than homelessness when living in residential motels have an safety reasons. It ensures that people tial motels being closed for health and notice of closure to tenants of residen capacity building. flexibility andmore assistancewith set ofguidelinesthatoffermore option ofapplyingunderadifferent Rural communitieswouldhave the homeless. be considered chronically although familiescouldalso homelessness wouldcontinue, for peopleexperiencingchronic housing permanent supportive The existingemphasisoncreating especially forhomelessfamilies. emphasis onrapidrehousing, New incentives wouldplacemore be significantlyexpanded. Homelessness prevention would The The HEARTH Act provides $2.2 SB 5810 , expands relocation assistance and Tenant protects renters in

Relocation

Act,

HB

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http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/. the statelegislative website, of thebillspassedthissessionon You onall canfindinformation difficultsession. during avery and housingissuesalegislative priority on legislatorstomakehomelessness steady andeffective stream ofpressure ments, andforworking toorganize a dizzying arrayofbillsandamend tremendous praiseforfollowing a Housing Alliancerespectively, deserve and the Washington Low Income ton State CoalitionfortheHomeless Federici www.endhomelessness.org. to End Homelessness website, is available attheNational Alliance ofthebill, including adetailedhistory oftheHEARTHA fullsummary act, Homelessness. CEO of the National Alliance to End place,” said Nan Roman, President and by preventing homelessness in the first families quickly back into housing; and most in need; by focusing on getting permanent supportive housing for those HEARTH Act does this by encouraging lowed, but should be incentivized. The Such activities should not only be al about what works to end homelessness. McKinney Act we have learned a lot housing renewals. dedicated fundingforpermanent Lobbyists “Since theinception ofthe lessness in the first lessnessplace.” first inthe by home and housing; preventing families quicklygetting back into those by inneed; most focusing on supportivepermanent housing for encourages Act “The HEARTH , working withthe Washing Seth Dawson andNick

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- 5 Housing Washington JULY 2 0 0 9 www.lihi.org Obama’s FY 2010 Budget Increases HUD Funding By Joshua Okrent • An increase in funding for the • New funds to address mortgage On May 7, U.S. HUD Secretary Community Development fraud and predatory practices Shaun Donovan announced HUD’s Block Grant by $550 million to including increased funding for budget for Fiscal Year 2010. The continue the CDBG program and fair housing enforcement, mortgage budget includes measures to increase reform the program’s formula to disclosure, and settlement funding for Section 8 tenant-based better target economically equirements. rental vouchers, increase and fully fund distressed communities. • A new $250 million Choice Neigh- the Community Development Block • Increased funding for the Housing borhoods Initiative to make a range Grant (CDBG) program, and contrib- Choice Voucher program and of transformative investments in ute $1 billion towards the National legislative reforms to increase high-poverty neighborhoods where Housing Trust Fund (NHTF). efficiencies for this program, which public and assisted housing The Obama Administration is helps over 2 million very low- and is concentrated. requesting a gross budget of $46.344 low-income families with rental • A new $100 million Energy billion for HUD in fiscal year 2010, assistance in neighborhoods of Innovation Fund to catalyze private an increase of 10.8% over the fiscal their choice. sector investment in the energy year 2009 budget. The increase • Increased funding for the Project- efficiency of the nation’s housing in funding should allow HUD to Based Rental Assistance program, stock. aggressively respond to the housing which enables HUD to preserve crisis as well as contribute to broader For more information about HUD’s about 1.3 million affordable fiscal year 2010 budget proposal, please national priorities on poverty allevia- rental units. visit www.hud.gov. tion, sustainable growth, community revitalization and energy. The 2010 HUD’s Fiscal Year budget also takes steps to simplify a 2010 budget nd streamline the agency’s activities increases funding for by consolidating or eliminating Section 8, increases the CDBG program, 27 separate programs and activities. contributes $1 billion Secretary Donovan said “This towards the National budget addresses the nation’s current Housing Trust Fund and includes an housing crisis by finding savings and initiative to invest in making targeted investments to help high-poverty neigh- grow the economy and keep people borhoods where public and assisted in their homes. I look forward to housing is concen- the consideration and approval of trated. Photo by G. Sussek. Courtesy of this budget in Congress.” Housing Creative Commons advocates seem hopeful about the www.lihi.org increase in HUD funding. Officials at the National Low Income Housing

2 0 0 9 Coalition said the proposal “signals a refreshing and much-needed JULY change of direction for the country’s housing policy.” Highlights from HUD’s FY2010 proposed budget include: • $1 billion to capitalize and launch a National Housing Trust Fund, which aims to preserve, rehabilitate and develop affordable housing for

Housing Washington very low-income people.

6 ties, trainingprograms andgreen jobs. residents tofindeducationopportuni for unemployed low-income housing are working togethertomakeiteasier announced thattheirdepartments in theautoindustry. battered by joblossesandrestructuring includes $50millionforcommunities workers for thesejobs.Thatsum announced that$500millionfrom efficient renovations. bulbs are amongthepossibleenergy- insulation, appliancesandeven light Donovan said.Replacing windows, periodoftime,”investments inashort maintenance. would beusedforbasicrepairs and of themoneyforpublichousingalso the surrounding community. Some people wholive intheunitsand government, andcreating jobsfor energy costsforresidents andthe the qualityofpublichousing,reducing will helpmeetseveral goals:improving that theinvestment inpublichousing tion program. Secretary Donovan said formal announcementoftherenova Secretary Hilda Solis –toDenver fora Secretary Shaun Donovan andLabor Vice-president Joe Biden, Housing “Middle Class Task Force” –including green job-creation project. ofanambitious nationwide aspart plan toupgradelow-income housing istration announceda$4billion By JoshuaOkrent Green JobsProgram Housing Renovationand Administration Announces Both Donovan andSolis also the stimulusisavailable totrain Labor Secretary Hilda Solis “A wholesetofthingscanrepay Obama sentmembersofhis On May 28,theObama admin - - - downturn sincetheGreat Depression. help pulltheeconomyoutof itsworst effects ofclimatechange–as waysto domestic alternatives andeasingthe foreign energysources, developing economy –reducing dependenceon transferred overseas. jobs alsoare ones thatcannotbeeasily the taskforce issuedinFebruary. These who live in cities,according toareport men, lesssoby minoritiesandpeople more likelytobe heldby to beunionjobsandare other jobs,are more likely to 20percent more than the environment, payup fined as related tohelping green jobs. middle classtoward together tosteerthe aredepartments working different waysgovernment being heldtooutline three monthsago,was stimulus planintolaw where Obama signedthe ScienceMuseum, falters. Themeetingatthe as thenationaleconomy that hasbeensuffering class, anincomegroup living ofthemiddle of help improve thestandard policies andpracticesto since January tohighlight retaries, hasbeenworking several otherCabinetsec Force, whichincludes Obama has pushedgreening the These jobs,broadly de The Middle Class Task

- - jobs thatcannotbeeasilytransferredoverseas. jobs andaremorelikelytobeunionjobs.Theyalso environment, payupto20percentmorethanother Green jobs,broadlydefinedasrelatedtohelpingthe wide aspartofanambitiousgreenjob-creationproject. $4 billionplantoupgradelow-incomehousingnation On May28, theObamaadministrationannounceda and Reinvestment Act, atwww.hud.gov. components oftheAmerican Recovery More onthisprogram, andother and metropolitan areas. on restoring federal fundingtocities component ofObama’s nationalfocus stimulus billpassedinJanuary, anda ofthe$787billioneconomic part The $4billionbeingallocatedis - 7 Housing Washington JULY 2 0 0 9 www.lihi.org Tacoma’s Adams Square Family Center for Homeless Families Breaks Ground By Lynette S. Grubbs Governor Chris Gregoire traveled women and families an opportunity to On April 14th, builders broke to Tacoma to help break ground on live happy, productive lives.” ground on Adams Square Family the new project. “I’m very touched to Curry said that every month, the Center in Tacoma, a 36-unit facility be part of this wonderful occasion,” Rescue Mission must turn down nine developed by the Tacoma Rescue Gregoire said. “There is no greater requests for shelter for every request it Mission at 2909 S. Adams St. This facility will serve homeless women and families with children, providing them with safe and secure shelter, meals, case management, youth activities, education, and life skills. Adams Square Family Center will provide homeless families in Pierce County with 20 units of emergency shelter, each of which will house a family of four or four unaccompanied women. In addition, there will be five apartments for women in the Mission’s New Life Program, and eleven transitional housing apartments for families addressing addiction issues. On-site facilities will include a Learning Center and a Parenting Skills and Education Center. Classrooms will be provided for basic adult The Adams Square Family Center will be a 36-unit facility serving homeless women and families education, inspiration, and life skills with children in Tacoma. Rendering courtesy of Tacoma Rescue Mission such as finance, parenting, nutrition, and cooking on a small budget. calling than what you do – provide is able to accommodate. Each month, Adams Square Family Center fills women and families with kids a place the shelter must deny an average of a gap in the continuum of care for to be safe, warm and fed when there is 85 requests for shelter from homeless homeless families in Pierce County by no alternative but the streets.” families with children. serving a challenging subpopulation Once construction is complete in Adams Square Family Center will of homeless women and families with spring 2010, Adams Square will replace allow Tacoma Rescue Mission staff to children. This subpopulation is often and significantly expand the Tacoma address all factors of homelessness, not evicted from transitional housing Rescue Mission’s family shelter on just the lack of housing. Issues such as www.lihi.org because they relapse into addiction. 15th Street. That shelter has become trauma, domestic violence, chemical Most transitional housing programs cramped and inadequate to serve the dependency, mental health challenges,

2 0 0 9 do not have the intensive services needs of Tacoma’s and Pierce County’s limited education, lack of vocational necessary to help someone who has homeless families, particularly those skills, and low social capital will be JULY relapsed. Adams Square Family with members who have physical evaluated and addressed. The objective Center will have an addiction recovery disabilities. is to end homelessness for each program onsite, so clients will be able “The issues related to homelessness, family served. to continue in transitional housing domestic violence and at-risk families Adams Square Family Center will while in addiction recovery treatment. are great, and our ability to confront be built on 3.5 secluded acres in the In addition, children will be able to these issues has limits,” said David Oakland Madrona neighborhood remain with their parents, keeping the Curry, Tacoma Rescue Mission chief of Tacoma. The project will consist family intact while parents participate executive officer. “Adams Square will of a new 28,500 sq ft building and

Housing Washington in residential addiction recovery. greatly expand our efforts to give needy continued on page 10

8 problem.” shesaid.“It’s asymptom housing really isasymptomof alarger markets intheentire country, but be oneofthemostexpensive housing of thequestion.“Seattle continuesto Office of Housing,tooka broad view predictable radical. totruly questions rangedfrom concernedbut The answers thepanelistsgave tothese for housinginthecomingdecade?” biggest challengesandopportunities being “how are we goingtoaddress the perspectives, withthebiggestquestion lem, from bothsocialandfinancial on Seattle’s affordable-housing prob panelists aseriesofquestionscentered seem tojustslipaway.” He askedthe to findajoboreducateourchildren beings life. Without housing the ability elementsofahuman most important housing andshelterare amongthe a somberandserioustone.“By far, hosted the “Nickelsville” tent city. al United Church of Christ, recently congregation, University Congregation of Washington English professor whose David McCracken, a retired University chief executive of Impact Capital, and Building Changes,Heyward Watson, Lieberman oftheSeattle nonprofit King County, Executive Director Betsy Linda Hall ofthe YWCA ofSeattle/ of Housing Director Adrian Quinn, leaders includingCityofSeattle Office passionate andknowledgable local Partners. Thepanelconsistedof5 of Trustees ofEnterprise Community aschairmanoftheBoardrently serves Seattle Mayor Norm Rice,whocur wasmoderatedby former forum and around Seattle. The well-attended about housingandhomelessnessin difficultquestions a numberofvery whichasked City Clubhostedaforum By JoshuaOkrent aboutHousing” “Hard Questions City Club Forumon of Hosts Seattle Ms. Quinn, director oftheSeattle Mr. Riceopenedthepanelon On Friday May 22,theSeattle - - - creation oflow income housing?” sure thatwe are stillencouraging the tomake and inourpartnerships asked “what are we doinginthecity available foraffordable housing. He strategic aboutthedwindling resources nicipalities andorganizations canbe the pipelineatotherend.” to getprojects inthepipelineandout slowing down. It’s takingalotlonger the creation ofaffordable housingis “Public fundingisshrinking,and is dwindling,notedHeyward Watson. housing means publicfundingfornew need to create a systematic change.” resources in the most efficient way. We using our limited moment and is seizing the biggest challenge for people. Our housing works onstrates that the datadem uncertainty. All of fearand some degree doesn’t have that Iknow that not aperson lives. There’s each oneofour has touched homelessness when country ofour history at atimeinthe for helpatallincomelevels. We are Changes notedthat“We have aneed need a much more integrated solution.” cracks inourhealthcare system. We a symptomofpeoplefallingthrough afford safeanddecenthousing, a symptomofinsufficientwagesto of acollapsingmentalhealthsystem, Mr. Ricethenaskedhow mu The economicdownturn also Betsy LiebermanofBuilding - solution, butit’saverygoodtemporarysolutionandcheap. tive meansofgettinglow-incomeindividualsintoshelter. “It’sfarfromaperfect McCracken,tentcitiesprovidethemostrapidandcosteffec According toDavid - are much better off working together to was thatorganizationsanddevelopers restrictions and regulations. His insight are distributedwithawidearrayof different poolsoffederalmoney resources effectively. He notedthat toolforusingfinancial most important isthesingle coalitions andpartnerships useful andavailable. low incomehousingtaxcredits very relatively strong economicbasemake continually invest inhousing,andthe munity anditshousinglevyhelp itto the city’s strong philanthropic com The othersideofthesamecoinisthat lower thanmostotherAmerican cities. of foreclosure, whilerising,ismuch dollars forhousingbecauseitsrate a relatively toughtimegettingfederal stimulus fundingavailable, Seattle has the federalgovernment isnow making the same limited funding pool. rather than competing against other for recognize and use different sources well, Mr. Watson saidthatbuilding Ms. Quinn mentionedthatwhile

continued onpage 10 - - 9 Housing Washington JULY 2 0 0 9 www.lihi.org retains 2% of the revenues for collect- City Club of Seattle Hosts Forum on HB 2331 Signed ing the fee, 60% will be kept at the county level for homeless programs, “Hard Questions about Housing” continued from page 9 on May 12 and 6% for the counties to administer the programs. All remaining revenues Quinn also noted that the City Governor Gregoire signed HB will be used to maintain existing Council has recently enacted a policy 2331 on May 12, ensuring that pro- funding levels for state homeless to require affordable housing when grams like THOR, ESAP, and Inde- programs such as THOR, ESAP, and approving significant rezones. She said pendent Youth Housing will continue Independent Youth Housing. the city could encourage developers to to provide emergency aid and stability For more information on HB 2331 and build affordable housing by allowing to at-risk families and individuals. HB on all of the bills passed this session visit projects with affordable units to get 2331 adds an additional fee of $20 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/. quicker permitting and eliminating to each document recorded by the time consuming steps such as heavy county auditor in order design review requirements. to maintain funding Tacoma’s Adams Square Family David McCracken, the self for state and county Center Breaks Ground described amateur on the panel, homelessness programs. continued from page 8 said that in his experience tent cities Without this revenue, the remodel of 4000 sq ft of existing provide the most rapid and cost programs like ESAP structures. The location is a few effective means of getting low-income and THOR would have blocks north of Center Street, not individuals into shelter. “It’s far from been eliminated and far from Tacoma Rescue Mission’s a perfect solution, but it’s a very good many people in need of beautiful Tyler Square transitional temporary solution and it’s cheap.” emergency aid and short housing complex. McCracken pointed out that the term stability would During the design and pre- city charged $3,550 for permits and have no option other construction process, the Tacoma threatened to fine his church $500 a than homelessness. Rescue Mission worked closely with day for hosting Nicklesville. “We need The measure, which a greater level of cooperation from city HB 2331 ensures that the architectural firm of BCRA and programs will continue will go into effect at contractors CE&C. The team also officials for this very practical approach to provide emergency the end of July, was worked closely with Greg Black of the to the homeless crisis.” aid and stability to introduced by Rep. Betsy Lieberman pointed out that at-risk families and Washington Trust Fund to ensure that individuals. Photo Jeannie Darneille, the project met Evergreen Sustainable organized advocacy is a key part of any Courtesy of Seattle’s (D-Tacoma) on Development Standards. The largest systematic change. “We need to shape Union Gospel Mission April 1, 2009, and funding sources for Adams Square a new Federal agenda,” she said. By be- sponsored by Representatives Dick- Family Center are the City of Tacoma, ing organized, we can really shape how erson, Pettigrew, Kenney, Williams, the Gary E. Milgard Family Founda- resources come into our community Simpson, Nelson and Ormsby. tion, a FHLB SF Affordable Housing and the kind of work we can do. The In 2005 the legislature enacted the Project grant, and funding from question we need to ask ourselves is Homeless Housing and Assistance Act, Pierce County. Other contributions how do we use our resources to create with the goal of reducing homelessness include capital grants from the Bill some long term permanent solutions?” by 50% statewide and in each county Mr. Rice, in concluding the forum,

www.lihi.org & Melinda Gates’ Sound Families by 2015. Through the department program and the Forest Foundation, said that the panelists did a remarkable of Community, Trade and Economic and contributions from the Norcliffe job of presenting a measured and

2 0 0 9 Development (CTED), 37 counties Foundation, the Medina Foundation, reasonable view of the huge problems participate in the program statewide, the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, before the housing community, and he JULY as well as the state and several cities. Boeing Company, Rainier Pacific then demanded that banks which get The programs are funded by a $10 Bank, Key Bank, the Puyallup bailouts simply must be required to use surcharge on documents recorded Tribe, anonymous contributors, some of the funds to build more housing by the county auditor, including real and individual donors. and shelter. estate documents. Lynette Grubs is a grant writer “It’s time for a little outrage and HB 2331 increases the local docu- for the Tacoma Rescue Mission. anger,” he said. ment recording fee from $10 to $30, For more information on the Adams The entire “Hard Questions” forum with all proceeds devoted to ending Square project, visit the Tacoma Rescue is available for streaming at

Housing Washington homelessness. After the county auditor Mission website at www.trm.org. www.seattlecityclub.org.

10 reduction inthehomelesspopulation own. Thedataindicatesa23.9% with nopermanent residence of their up –stayingwithfriendsorfamily, including 92children, were doubled housing. Anadditional424persons, in emergencyshelterortransitional were homeless–livingonthestreets, 1,229 persons,including383children, conducted inJanuary, revealed that One Day Countofhomelesscitizens, Homelessness Count RevealsDecreasein OneDay Spokane County renter protections atforeclosure. laws thatprovide agreater level of federallawwillnotpreemptnew state upon theirlandlords’ foreclosures. The little or no notice to vacate their homes • • • protections, including: and expire attheendof2012. provisions tookeffectimmediately The properties. renter protection tions fortenantslivinginforeclosed protec new signed intolawimportant Protection DuringForeclosure LawGivesRenters New HOUSING the homeafter90daysnotice. at foreclosure whowantstooccupy subject totherightsofpurchaser rental assistancepaymentsintact, to remain withboththeirleaseand Tenants with Section 8 vouchers able their leases. in theirhomesforthetermsof The rightsoftenantsto remain into foreclosure. tenants whosehomeshave gone 90-day pre-eviction noticeto The annual Spokane County Currently, in most states, renters get S. 896containskeyrenter On May 20President Obama BRIEFS

- properties, help createproperties, affordable and rehabilitate foreclosed vacant Program [email protected]. Lead Hazard Reduction Program, Contact Cynthia Sanderson, housing units. for peoplelivinginlow-income help reduce therisk ofleadexposure Program [email protected]. Director, Housing Unit, Assistance Contact Annie ConantManaging stable housing. move from emergencyshelterinto homelessness ortohelpthem individuals andfamiliesatriskof emergency rental assistanceto providers whowillprovide direct arearural homelessnessprevention will award $11millioningrantsto Re-HousingRapid Program (HPRP) the CTED employees listed below. application deadlines, please contact ing the programs listed, including State CTED. For more details regard- is now available through Washington stimulus money specific to housing Washington Housing Federal StimulusMoneyfor www.slihc.org. Low Income Housing at Consortium For more visittheSpokane information homelessness inSpokane County. proximately 7,000personsexperience in time.On anannualbasis,ap number ofhomelesspeopleatapoint The One Day Count reflects the County bereduced by 50%by 2015. requires thathomelessnessinSpokane legislation, passedin2005,which Homelessness and Washington State Spokane County Ten-Year Plan toEnd was conducted.Organizers credit the when thefirstCounty-wideCount 1,229 inthethree years since2006 in Spokane Countyfrom 1,592to The Neighborhood Stabilization The LeadHazard Recovery The Homeless Prevention and Millions of dollars in federal allocatesfunds topurchase isdistributing$3millionto

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ground Farmworkers onanew Authority (AHA)willsoonbreak Housing PilotProject AHA Farmworker [email protected]. Director, Officeof Crime Victimsat Contact Bev Emery, Managing violence, sexualassaultandstalking. to victimsofdomesticviolence,dating housing andrelated services support provides transitionalandshort-term Act [email protected]. Manager, LocalGovernment Division, Contact Bill Mandeville Program housing andstabilize neighborhoods. http://mithun.com/ More abouttheproject at by appointment. upon delivery, butopentothepublic These prototypes willbeoccupied located ontwofarmsinSkagit Valley. living areas for up to four people. friendly, with flexible indoor and outdoormodule types are designed to be family- fixtures and FSC certified wood. All three envelope, have ultra-low flow plumbing framing techniques for a more efficient for net zero energy use, use advanced have include solar power and hot water The bright green unit is designed to their amenities and green features vary. three are 580 square feet in size, while green, green, andbrightgreen. All types ofprefabricated modules:light threeing andconstructing different methods andmaterials. employs environmentally sustainable Housing Trust’s goalsforlivability and the Washington State Farmworker of green seasonalhousingthatmeets chitects inSeattle to create type anew teamatMithunand construction Ar Partners, AHAcommissionedadesign a grantfrom Enterprise Community farmworkers andtheirfamilies. With to provide affordable housingfor Housing pilotproject whichhopes The Seattle Archdiocesan Housing The The first constructed unitswillbe The firstconstructed The pilotproject consistsofdesign Transitional Housing Program Violence Against

Women

- - 11 Housing Washington JULY 2 0 0 9 www.lihi.org Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage TOOLS FOR LOW INCOME HOUSING INSTITUTE PAID Seattle, WA ACTION 2407 1st Avenue, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98121-1311 Permit No. 6177 Ways to build your involvement with affordable housing

National Alliance to End Homelessness Annual Conference July 2009 July 29 - 31, 2009 The Alliance’s Annual Conference will be held on July 28-30, 2008 at the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel. This is a must attend conference for anyone involved in ending homelessness. Register Online at www.naeh.org. 2009 National Cohousing Conference in Seattle The 1st Annual Conference of the Cohousing Association of the United States will be help at in Seattle, Washington June 24-28, 2009. This conference is THE venue for those who already live in cohousing, who are currently Green Broker Conference Impact Capital Trainings seeking a community, and profession- als serving cohousing communities to 2009 in Seattle Impact Capital provides learn new ways to “grow community.” September 17, 2009 high-quality trainings to help com- munity development specialists in the More information at www.cohousing.org. Green Broker is an introductory Northwest gain the knowledge and level green building conference, perfect Farmworker Housing Asset skills they need to have maximum for anyone interested in knowing more impact. Trainings are open to the & Property Management about the fast paced green building in- public, with priority given to staff Conference in Redmond, OR. dustry including architects, engineers, from non-profit organizations, local product manufacturers, developers and Community and Shelter Assistance and state government, foundations and builders. At this conference attendees financial institutions. 2009 trainings

www.lihi.org Corp of Oregon (CASA) partners

will receive: a solid grounding in the with Washington’s Office of Rural include Budgeting and Financial basics of green design; Presentations on and Farmworker Housing (ORFH) Forecasting for Non-Profit Affordable green building marketing and finance; 2 0 0 9 to hold a biennial training conference Housing Organizations on September for property managers, owners, asset An overview of LEED and other 17; Negotiating Commercial Leases

JULY Green Building rating systems; Key managers, maintenance personnel & Evaluating Commercial Tenants on and service providers. This year, at networking opportunities; Access to October 15 and 16; Nuts & Bolts of the Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Green Building experts from across Asset Management on November 3 OR. Conference Topics include: green the region. At Seattle Center. and 4. building maintenance and finance; For more info, visit www.cascadiagbc. For more information visit www. funding for multifamily rural housing; org/greenbroker. and key issues for year 15 and RD impactcapital.org. preservation. More information, including registra- Housing Washington tion, at www.casaoforegon.org.

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