In the News

KING 5: Habitat for Humanity constructing condominiums for low-income Seattle residents

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In a city known for its vibrant culture and thriving economy, the rising cost of housing has become a significant challenge for many families. Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, in particular, has witnessed an increase in housing prices, making it difficult for low-income families to find decent and stable homes. Habitat for Humanity recognized this pressing issue and stepped up to create a sustainable solution.

KING 5 was on the scene as we broke ground on our Olympic Ridge development on Thursday. Click the link to watch the report.

“This is amazing. I don’t even know how I deserve this. But the truth is, I do deserve this. And everybody deserves this.”

– Amber, a Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitias Counties Homeowner.

At Habitat for Humanity, our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. With this goal in mind, we embarked on an ambitious project to build an affordable condo building in the heart of Capitol Hill. This endeavor aligns perfectly with our mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Located at a prime spot in Capitol Hill, Olympic Ridge is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our volunteers, donors, and partners. The building will feature a modern and eco-friendly design, with a focus on maximizing space while maintaining a sense of community. With multiple units, each family will have a safe and comfortable place to call home, complete with all the amenities necessary for a high-quality life.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is made possible through the support of generous donors and partners. Local businesses, corporations, and individuals have joined hands with us to provide financial contributions, building materials, and valuable resources. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who believe in our cause and have made this project a possibility.

The completion of this affordable condo building will create a lasting impact on the lives of the families it will serve. Affordable housing not only provides shelter but also empowers families to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for their children. With a stable and secure home, these families will have the opportunity to thrive and become active contributors to the community they call home.

As the construction progresses, we eagerly anticipate the day when we can hand over the keys to the deserving families who will call this condo building their home. Our work doesn’t stop here, though. Habitat for Humanity remains committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis and will continue to build, renovate, and repair homes for families in need throughout Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties.

You too can be a part of this transformative journey. Whether you contribute financially, volunteer your time, or spread the word about our cause, your support can change lives and make a positive impact on the community. Together, we can build dreams and homes for those in need.

Seattle Times: Seattle Cuts a Bit of Red Tape for Affordable Housing Construction

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In a recent article by The Seattle Times, titled “Seattle Cuts a Bit of Red Tape for Affordable Housing Construction,” the city’s efforts to streamline the construction of affordable housing have been highlighted, including quotes from Ryan Donohue, Habitat SKKC’s Chief Advocacy Officer.

“The reduction of regulatory barriers is a critical step towards addressing the affordability crisis in Seattle,” he said.

Donohue’s statement succinctly captures the essence of the article. Seattle has long been grappling with a housing crisis, where skyrocketing prices and limited availability have made it increasingly challenging for many residents to find affordable homes. By acknowledging the importance of reducing regulatory barriers, Donohue emphasizes the need for practical solutions to overcome the hurdles hindering the construction of affordable housing.

“Streamlining the permitting process will expedite the development of affordable housing projects, allowing us to create more units within a shorter timeframe.”

One of the main obstacles faced by affordable housing developers is navigating the complex and time-consuming permitting process. Donohue recognizes that streamlining this process is a crucial step towards increasing the supply of affordable housing units. By expediting the development timeline, developers can respond more effectively to the pressing demand for affordable homes, enabling the community to benefit from increased housing options sooner rather than later.

“We must strike a balance between preserving Seattle’s character and ensuring equitable access to affordable housing for all residents.”

Preserving Seattle’s unique character and charm is an important consideration as the city undergoes rapid growth and development. Donohue highlights the importance of finding a delicate balance between maintaining the essence of the city and meeting the housing needs of its diverse population. This statement emphasizes the need for comprehensive urban planning strategies that prioritize inclusivity and affordability while respecting the city’s cultural heritage.

“Collaboration between public and private entities is key to achieving our affordable housing goals.”

Donohue emphasizes the significance of collaboration between public and private entities to address the affordable housing crisis effectively. The article discusses how the city is actively engaging with affordable housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to develop creative solutions that facilitate the construction of affordable housing. Donohue’s quote reinforces the idea that partnerships and cooperative efforts are essential to make meaningful progress in resolving the housing crisis.

Donohue’s insightful quotes in The Seattle Times article shed light on the crucial steps being taken to address Seattle’s affordability crisis. By reducing regulatory barriers, streamlining the permitting process, and emphasizing collaboration between public and private entities, the city is making commendable efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing. These initiatives, as highlighted by Donohue, are vital for striking a balance between preserving the city’s unique character and ensuring equitable access to affordable housing for all residents. As Seattle continues to innovate and implement strategies, it serves as an example for other cities grappling with similar challenges in tackling the housing crisis.

Click the link to read the full article.

Habitat SKKC CEO Brett D’Antonio Earns Mayoral Appointment

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Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell appointed Habitat SKKC CEO Brett D’Antonio to a select committee of community leaders who will choose the next General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light, one of the nation’s largest community owned utilities.

The mayor’s selection is a clear recognition of Brett’s community leadership and Habitat’s successful work in innovative, affordable housing development focused on climate friendly construction and minority homeownership. Brett joins ten other distinguished community leaders in the search, which opened May 23.

“I am honored to be part of this search for a position in one of the city’s most important departments. This individual will significantly impact the future of our city and the health of our community.”  

– Habitat SKKC CEO Brett D’Antonio

Brett and his fellow committee members are charged by the mayor with the task of identifying candidates who have “… the experience and focus to prioritize customer experience, affordability, and creative climate action, along with building a departmental culture centered on accountability and equity.”

Throughout the summer, the search committee will gather stakeholder feedback from union leaders, commercial and industrial customers, environmental organizations, and other community members to learn more about the skills and experience they want to see championed in the next GM and CEO. 

In accepting the appointment, Brett said, “I am honored to be part of this search for a position in one of the city’s most important departments. This individual will significantly impact the future of our city and the health of our community.”   

In addition to Brett D’Antonio, the selection committee includes other leaders in  business, housing, labor, environment, clean energy  and environmental justice. They are: 

  • Ann Ayre, Environmental Manager, CalPortland 
  • Gilbert Archuleta, Director of Customer Energy Management, Puget Sound Energy 
  • John Putz, Research Scientist, The Energy Authority 
  • Kelly Hall, Washington Director, Climate Solutions 
  • Leo Lam, CEO, WEVE Design 
  • Steve Kovac, Business Representative, Local 77 
  • Steven Pray, Union Representative, Local 17 
  • Rod Brandon, Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority 
  • Ryan Calkins, Commissioner, Port of Seattle 
  • Patience Malaba, Executive Director, Housing Development Consortium 

Habitat for Humanity’s Beyond the Build Luncheon: Celebrating a Look Ahead and Honoring Supporters

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We are just a few days away from this year’s Beyond Build Luncheon, which was recently featured on KIRO 7 (click the link). This special occasion serves as a celebration of our achievements, a reflection on the past, and an opportunity to honor and express gratitude to our dedicated supporters. Join us as we gather to commemorate our shared commitment to affordable housing and look ahead to the future of our mission.

Be sure to watch the KIRO 7 clip, which includes an interview with keynote speaker Majora Carter.

Looking Back on Our Journey: The Beyond Build Luncheon allows us to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken. Together with our passionate volunteers, generous donors, and resilient homeowners, we have made a significant impact on the communities we serve. This event is a moment to acknowledge the progress we have made in creating affordable housing opportunities and transforming lives.

Honoring Our Supporters: One of the highlights of the Beyond Build Luncheon, as mentioned by KIRO 7, is the opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our supporters. Their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions have been instrumental in driving our mission forward. From individuals to corporate partners, volunteers, and community organizations, we will take this moment to recognize their commitment to our cause.

A Look Ahead: The Beyond Build Luncheon is not just about celebrating our accomplishments; it also serves as a platform to share our vision for the future. We will discuss our strategic plans, innovative programs, and upcoming projects aimed at further expanding affordable housing opportunities in our region. Together, we can make a difference and create lasting change in the lives of families in need.

Community Impact and Engagement: Throughout the event, featured on KIRO 7, we will showcase inspiring stories of the families we have helped and the transformative power of affordable homeownership. Our speakers will share their personal experiences, shedding light on the profound impact that safe, decent, and affordable housing has on individuals, families, and entire communities.

Join Us at the Beyond Build Luncheon: We invite you to join us at the Beyond Build Luncheon on Thursday (more details in the link). It is an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, engage in meaningful conversations, and be part of a movement that is shaping the future of affordable housing. Your presence and support, alongside KIRO 7, will play a vital role in furthering our mission and making homeownership dreams a reality for deserving families.

As we gather at the Beyond Build Luncheon, we celebrate the milestones we have achieved and express our gratitude to the supporters who have helped us along the way. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future and provide hope and stability to those in need. Join us at this remarkable event, and let’s create lasting change one home at a time.

Click the link for more information.

The Urbanist Podcast: An Oral History of Passing the Missing Middle Housing Bill

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At Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties, we are committed to creating affordable housing solutions and advocating for policies that promote equitable access to safe and stable homes. In a recent episode of The Urbanist podcast (click for link), an enlightening oral history was shared, detailing the journey of passing the groundbreaking Missing Middle Housing Bill. This legislation has the potential to revolutionize the housing landscape in our region and pave the way for increased housing affordability and diversity. In this blog post, we delve into the key takeaways from the podcast episode and highlight the importance of this historic milestone for our community.

Background: The Missing Middle Housing Bill aims to address the pressing issue of housing affordability by allowing for more diverse and flexible housing options in our neighborhoods. The bill is designed to promote the construction of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and cottage clusters, all of which fall within the “missing middle” of housing types that have been traditionally overlooked in favor of single-family homes and large apartment buildings. By embracing these innovative housing options, we can create more affordable choices for residents while fostering inclusive and sustainable communities.

Podcast Highlights: The Urbanist podcast episode provides a comprehensive oral history of the advocacy efforts and challenges faced during the journey of passing the Missing Middle Housing Bill. It brings together key stakeholders, lawmakers, and community members who played pivotal roles in shaping this legislation. Their personal accounts shed light on the collaborative nature of the process and the collective commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of community engagement and grassroots organizing. The success of the Missing Middle Housing Bill was made possible through the active involvement of residents, housing advocates, and local organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Together, they voiced their support, shared personal stories, and participated in public hearings and meetings, effectively driving change from the ground up.

The podcast also emphasizes the need for policymakers to prioritize equity and affordability in housing decisions. By allowing for a diverse range of housing types, the bill encourages inclusive neighborhoods that accommodate households of varying incomes, ages, and family sizes. This legislation recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to housing is no longer sustainable or equitable and promotes the idea that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.

The passing of the Missing Middle Housing Bill represents a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for affordable housing in our region. This legislation opens doors to increased housing options, affordability, and community diversity. At Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties, we applaud the collective efforts that went into making this bill a reality. We believe that by continuing to advocate for policies that prioritize affordable housing, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for all residents.

We encourage you to listen to The Urbanist podcast episode on the oral history of the Missing Middle Housing Bill (click for link) for a deeper understanding of the advocacy process and the transformative potential of this legislation. Together, let’s continue working towards a community where everyone has the opportunity to build a better life through safe and affordable housing.