King County Executive Girmay Zahilay this week announced $23.7 million in awards to support eight affordable housing developments that will create 672 homes across the county, including projects serving residents in south King County.
The funding was awarded through the county’s Housing Finance Program and will support developments in South King County, East King County and the city of Seattle, county officials said.
The projects will prioritize housing for low income residents, people experiencing homelessness, families with children and communities that have historically faced barriers to stable housing.
“The demand for affordable housing in King County is urgent and undeniable,” Zahilay said. “Too many individuals and families throughout our county are being priced out of the communities they call home or are unable to secure safe, affordable housing in our neighborhoods. Everyone deserves a place to live with dignity and stability, and this investment reflects our commitment to ensure residents in King County can find and keep an affordable home in the communities where they work, go to school, raise families and belong.”
According to the county’s latest Countywide Housing Needs Assessment, the region needs 178,000 affordable homes by 2044, including 166,000 for households earning below 50 percent of area median income.
In south King County, two developments totaling 149 units will receive funding:
- African Community Housing and Development will oversee 129 affordable rental homes in SeaTac serving immigrant and refugee families, individuals and people experiencing homelessness.
- The Mental Health Housing Foundation will provide 20 affordable rental homes in Federal Way for individuals living with chronic mental illness.
Across east King County, four developments totaling 393 units were funded:
- Habitat for Humanity Seattle King will create 25 affordable homeownership units in Bellevue for families with children earning up to 80 percent of area median income.
- The King County Housing Authority will develop 156 affordable rental homes in Issaquah for families with children earning between 40 and 60 percent of area median income.
- The Low Income Housing Institute will provide 66 affordable rental homes in Bellevue serving people experiencing homelessness, veterans, individuals with disabilities and families.
- SRM Development and Hopelink will create 146 affordable rental homes in Bellevue for families with children and survivors of domestic violence.
Two developments in Seattle will add 130 affordable rental homes, county officials said:
- East African Community Services will develop 60 units serving young adults, families with children and people with disabilities.
- Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority will provide 70 units for immigrant families and households with children.
“Mental Health Housing Foundation is truly grateful to be a recipient of King County’s Housing Finance Program,” said Michele Cox, executive director of the Mental Health Housing Foundation. “These funds will allow MHHF to move forward with the planning and construction of our new Federal Way project. The 30 unit apartment complex will allow MHHF to provide low income families in South King County with a safe and affordable place to call home.”
“We are appreciative of the support from King County for this project in an area that lacks significant affordable housing options, especially for families,” said Mary Koutrelakos, development manager at SRM Development. “This meaningful investment will ensure that 146 households will be able to live closer to where they work in Washington’s most expensive region.”
“This investment by King County in affordable housing will make a lasting difference for families in our region,” said Brett D’Antonio, CEO of Habitat Seattle King County. “At Orchard Gardens, 25 families will gain the life changing opportunity of homeownership, giving children continuity in their schools, families the ability to put down roots and neighbors the chance to build strong, connected communities. These homes will remain permanently affordable for future generations, further amplifying their impact.”
The Housing Finance Program is part of the King County Department of Community and Human Services Housing and Community Development Division. Since 2022, the program has awarded more than $171.6 million toward the construction of 3,636 affordable homes across King County, officials said.
