Habitat for Humanity Seattle King County

Support the 2023 Seattle Housing Levy

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What is it? The Housing Levy has been the main source of funding for the development and management of affordable housing in Seattle since 1986 and renews every 7 years.

The 2016 Housing Levy is set to expire at the end of 2023. On June 13, 2023, Mayor Harrell signed legislation approving the City of Seattle’s 2023 Housing Levy proposal. The 2023 Housing Levy will be on the General Election ballot on November 7, 2023. If approved by voters, the 2023 Housing Levy will be implemented for seven years, from 2024-2030.

Over the course of the last forty years, levy funds have built more than 12,000 affordable homes while collaborating with other local, state, and federal sources to address needs throughout the whole affordable housing continuum.

Why should the Levy matter to you? Everyone in our community is impacted by the sharp rise in housing expenses, but those with the lowest incomes and people of color are particularly disproportionately affected.

That’s where the Levy comes in! To satisfy the critical need for affordable housing, we need funding to build and maintain it. To ensure low-income individuals, families, people with disabilities, seniors, and you & I can afford to live here now and in the future, we need to support avenues for affordable housing production.

Why should you support it? Previous levies have consistently kept their word by building affordable housing, keeping families in their homes, and relocating homeless people into permanent supportive housing. 

The Housing Levy is expanding this year to accommodate the housing demands of our community. More than 3,000 affordable houses will be built for those who need them most, and thousands more people will be spared from homelessness as a result.

What can you do? Make your voice heard! Sign up to get Levy updates from us!

Over 12,000 affordable homes – including over 1000 affordable homeownership opportunities have been created since the Levy was first passed in 1986. The Levy has changed the lives of 16,000 Seattleites through the creation and maintenance of affordable homes in Seattle.

This levy has been crucial to Seattle’s vibrant communities since 1986; let us show our support for affordable housing and for our neighbors and work to pass this 2023 Seattle Housing Levy as well!

Habitat has always fought to create a world where everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home – with your help and support of the Levy, we can do just that.

Sign up to support the Levy today!

Habitat Adds New Roof and New Life to Old Home

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After months of searching for help to repair their home, Carlean and Eddie Green finally found the support they needed through Habitat for Humanity SKKC. Their Skyway home, where they have lived for more than 30 years, was in dire need of repair, especially the leaking roof that posed a threat to the entire house. Despite applying to various organizations that provide assistance to older adults, the Greens either didn’t qualify financially or the necessary funding was unavailable. With time running out, Carlean turned to Habitat for help, following a friend’s recommendation.

What set Habitat apart was their approach. Unlike other organizations, Habitat didn’t require the Greens to have money in the bank or be free of credit card debt. The Habitat team got right to work, understanding the urgency of the situation. In just 15 days, they replaced the roof, gutters, and eaves of the 64-year-old ranch-style home. Eddie, who is retired and disabled, praised the Habitat repair team, highlighting their professionalism and efficiency. They promptly addressed any additional issues they encountered during the repairs, keeping the Greens informed throughout the process. Carlean also commended the team for their politeness and respect.

“They (the Habitat team) got right to work,” Carlean said.

The total cost of the repair project, including the brand-new roof, was estimated at $17,000 by Eddie.

“We didn’t have to pay a cent,” Eddie said. 

Thanks to Habitat’s assistance, Carlean can now care for her six-month-old grandson while his mother works, free from the anxiety caused by the deteriorating condition of their home.

If given the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Habitat team, Eddie would offer his heartfelt thanks and a warm hug. For him, Habitat for Humanity is at the top of his list, representing a beacon of hope and a source of immense support in their time of need.

The Greens’ experience with Habitat for Humanity SKKC serves as a powerful testament to the organization’s mission and impact. By providing affordable housing solutions and critical home repairs, Habitat ensures that families like the Greens can continue to live in safe and sustainable homes. Their work goes beyond construction; it builds communities, preserves legacies, and transforms lives.

Habitat’s commitment to serving those in need, regardless of their financial circumstances, is truly commendable. Through their efforts, families can maintain the stability and security they deserve, creating a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come.

Carlean and Eddie Green’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that organizations like Habitat for Humanity have on individuals and communities. Their dedication to providing shelter and restoring homes not only improves living conditions but also instills hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. It is through the unwavering support of organizations like Habitat that dreams are preserved, families are empowered, and communities thrive.

Thank YOU for making the2023 Beyond the Build Luncheon a BIG success!

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Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties welcomed over 750 guests last week at the 2023 Beyond the Build luncheon! And because of our generous donors, we were able to earn the entire Challenge Match, made by our wonderful partners, and raised more than $1.7 million, and counting to combat our region’s affordable housing crisis.

Thank you to those who were able to gather and join us at the new Seattle Convention Center. We loved seeing everyone’s enthusiasm and hope you came away inspired by the shared stories from our Homeowner partners, guest speakers, and Majora Carter the award-winning author of Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One.

Habitat’s Community Leader of the Year, The Seattle Office of Housing, was recognized for their commitment and long-standing support. And Gary Fallon was acknowledged as Habitat’s Volunteer of the Year for his service to our projects.  

We hope everyone who attended the event enjoyed the experience.

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas County and all the Habitat Partner Families in our community, thank you for your support!

Check our our event photos here! 

Watch the Community Impact video 

and the Volunteer of the Year video!

Want to get more involved? Sign up to be a volunteer, become an advocate for affordable housing, or shop/donate to one of our Habitat Stores. 

BIG thanks again to all who made Beyond the Build 2023 a success!  

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.