Habitat Adds New Roof and New Life to Old Home

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!

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!  

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

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.

KING 5: New fee, loans aim to right ‘historic wrong’ of racist covenants in Washington state

“Owning a home is everybody’s dream,” Habitat SKKC homeowner LeChelle Lucas.

Hear more from Lucas during this KING 5 report on the implementation of HB 1474, which was recently signed into law. This law provides funding from the $100 homebuyer fee, establishing a covenant homeownership account and program to provide down payment and closing-costs assistance to first-time homebuyers who have been affected by the state’s discriminatory housing policies.

Visit the link to watch the full interview.

AHW: State Legislative Recap

Habitat SKKC, the Housing Development Consortium, and Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity joined forces for a State Legislative Recap! This virtual panel discussion was moderated by Ross Reynolds from KUOW, featuring lawmakers who were essential to passing major housing legislation in this Year of Housing, including:

Representative Emily Alvarado
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins
Senator Yasmin Trudeau
Senator John Lovick