At Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home. Our commitment to creating accessible living spaces doesn’t just stop at building houses; it extends to ensuring that these homes cater to the diverse needs of all residents, including our older community members.
Recently, our mission to enhance accessibility got a spotlight on New Day NW. AARP’s Marguerite Ro and Habitat for Humanity’s Cliff Cawthon engaged in a thought-provoking conversation about innovative ways to make homes and apartments more accessible for older residents. The insightful discussion highlighted our shared dedication to creating environments that promote comfort, independence, and inclusivity.
Marguerite Ro, representing AARP, brought a wealth of knowledge to the table. With AARP’s focus on empowering older adults to live their best lives, Marguerite delved into strategies and ideas to adapt living spaces to evolving needs. Cliff Cawthon, representing Habitat for Humanity, shed light on our organization’s efforts to integrate accessibility features seamlessly into our home construction process.
From ramps and widened doorways to thoughtful interior designs that consider mobility challenges, the discussion touched on a myriad of ways we can create spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Both AARP and Habitat for Humanity emphasized the significance of community collaboration and education to foster a deeper understanding of accessibility needs.
As we celebrate the strides we’ve made in building homes, this conversation reminds us that our work doesn’t end with construction. It’s about building a sense of belonging, dignity, and independence for all. We’re grateful for the opportunity to engage with AARP and explore the transformative power of accessibility in homes.
At Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties, we’re committed to continuously learning and evolving to better serve our community. This enlightening conversation with AARP reinforces our dedication to creating spaces that embrace diversity, empower individuals, and promote a higher quality of life for everyone.
Join us in this journey of making homes accessible and welcoming for all members of our community. Together, we can create a world where everyone has a place to call home.
Sound Transit began the process a few years ago to dispose of surplus property in the Rainier Valley, with the intent of creating affordable housing. Ten small sites with about 1.6 acres were later conveyed to the city of Seattle in the fall of 2021. Under what’s known as the Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative, the goal is to create some 100 permanently affordable units — all owned, not rented.
The city more recently issued a series of requests for proposals, and affordable housing developers have since begun filing some plans. Most are small, meaning townhouse-scale development.
However, two nonprofits have been working with two architects on a pair of mid-rise projects to total 62 units for the sales market — i.e. affordable condos. Three townhouses are planned on a different site, which we’ll ignore for now. Thus, 65 affordable in total. Design review isn’t required for such entirely affordable housing.
SEATTLE (August 9, 2023) – African Community Housing & Development (ACHD) and Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (Habitat SKKC) will develop and steward 65 new, permanently affordable homes across three sites on Martin Luther King Way S. in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. These projects are the first in ACHD’s and Habitat SKKC’s historic partnership to center Black homeownership and prosperity across multiple projects throughout Seattle and South King County.
The two organizations won enthusiastic approval for their joint proposals from the Seattle Office of Housing selection committee, along with funding from the Seattle Housing Levy. These sites are the result of the Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative, a partnership between the City of Seattle, Sound Transit, and community-based organizations with deep ties in the Rainier Valley, to create 100 affordable homes across 10 surplus property sites.
With a community-based partnership deeply rooted in collaboration, capacity-building, and co
learning, ACHD and Habitat SKKC will combine their strengths to deliver high-quality and permanently affordable homes that meet the critical needs of BIPOC and low/moderate income families. This includes family-sized units designed for larger, intergenerational families, multifamily buildings with a higher number of homes for seniors and growing families, and community-centric retail that features essential services from the small businesses that are the
foundation of the Rainier Valley.
“We are thrilled that African Community Housing and Development and Habitat for Humanity’s trailblazing partnership will provide long awaited access to affordable homeownership opportunities for BIPOC families in the Rainier Valley. Our projects will prevent further displacement and will build generational stability so families can thrive,” said ACHD Associate Director and Co-Founder, Bilan Aden.
As one of the most culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest, the Rainier Valley is seeing widespread displacement of families who have historic ties to the neighborhood. Furthermore, homeownership is seen as the key to intergenerational wealth in the United States. The Department of Commerce Homeownership Disparities Workgroup found that 49 percent of BIPOC households – and just 31 percent of Black households – own their home, compared to 68 percent of white households.
Habitat SKKC CEO Brett D’Antonio said, “I’m confident that Habitat’s proven record of development and stewardship, in collaboration with ACHD – an emerging community-led developer connected to BIPOC communities and businesses throughout the Rainier Valley – will increase the likelihood of growing the number of BIPOC families who own their own home.”
As members of the Black Home Initiative, Habitat SKKC and ACHD are committed to a bold partnership that will increase Black homeownership in the Rainier Valley and throughout King County.
“The Black Home Initiative (BHI) network applauds Sound Transit, the City of Seattle Office of Housing, and BHI Partners African Community Housing and Development and Habitat for Humanity SKKC for this exciting news. Converting this underutilized land into highly needed affordable housing, while addressing the deepening inequities in our region, is in direct alignment with the focus of the Black Home Initiative. This collaborative and creative partnership will bring these homeownership opportunities to reality,” said Civic Commons Chief Architect and BHI Core Leadership Team Member, Michael Brown.
ACHD and Habitat SKKC will build a mixed-use building with 31 condos and 1,452 sf of commercial space at 6740 MLK Way S (Site #6), a 31-unit condo building at 3601 MLK Way S (Site #7), and 3 townhomes at 4865 MLK Way & 3112 S. Ferdinand (Site #9). All homes created will be permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for households at or below 80 percent of King County’s Area Median Income – far below the current market prices for homes in the area. These projects will also generate opportunities for Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses (WMBE) contractors and suppliers, as well as living-wage jobs that support workforce development for the neighborhood. A 2019 Urban Land Institute report found that just five percent of real estate and land use business are Black-owned. This dramatically impacts the type of development seen throughout communities and further bars BIPOC families from building wealth.
“These projects will address barriers for WMBE contractors and suppliers, as well as support thriving and diverse neighborhoods. When the development of real estate and affordable housing is led by community, it truly represents what is needed by the community,” said Lauren McGowan, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Executive Director.
Once complete, the partners hope that this approach will help build the capacity of ACHD and the greater African Diaspora community to build and manage homeownership projects for generations to come.
About African Community Housing & Development (ACHD) Founded in 2018 in response to skyrocketing cost of living and rampant displacement throughout Seattle and King County, African Community Housing & Development (ACHD) is a community-led organization serving African Diaspora communities throughout the Puget Sound region. In 2022, ACHD provided holistic and culturally rooted programming and services to nearly 9,000 community members who spoke almost 30 languages, including distributing close to $38M in pandemic rental and basic needs assistance. ACHD’s programs include housing assistance, eviction prevention services, food access and basic needs, education and after-school programs, elder enrichment programs, workforce development, advocacy and referral services, and economic development. ACHD also runs the weekly Delridge Farmers Market, now is it’s third year of operation. https://www.achdo.org/
About Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties
In Seattle-King County, Kittitas County and around the world, Habitat for Humanity brings people together as volunteers, homeowners, donors, and community members to create strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter, ranking in the top 20 of America’s Favorite Charities for 2019 by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Locally, Habitat for Humanity constructs affordable homes, revitalizes neighborhoods, repairs homes for low-income people and seniors, operates discount home improvement stores in Auburn, Southcenter, Bellevue, and Ellensburg, and mobilizes nearly 4,500 volunteers a year and advocates for safe and affordable housing solutions for all people at the state, county, and city level. Learn more at www.Habitatskc.org.
For Sudhanshu Kumar, his first car meant independence in his new country.
“When I moved to the States, before I learned how to drive or owned this car, I had to rely on others to move around,” he said.
Once he earned his license and his Hyundai Tiburon, Sudhanshu was free to go wherever he wanted.
“I still remember finding the best pancake place in the city and driving this car to get there. That’s one of the moments I felt such immense happiness and freedom.”
Sudhanshu recently donated his Tiburon and all those memories to Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program.
“I thank this car for such wonderful memories, and while I part with it, I am also happy to know if it might be of some use and value to others in need.”
Indeed, Sudhanshu’s generous donation will provide significant support to Habitat’s mission of providing everyone a decent and affordable place to live. Since 2005, Habitat’s nationwide Cars for Homes program has raised more than $30 million and repurposed over 120,000 cars.
In addition to helping fund affordable homeownership, the Cars for Homes program helps to reduce carbon emissions in our atmosphere. According to a carbon reduction study by Worcester Polytech Institute, cars recycled properly can play a big role in reducing carbon emissions in the automotive manufacturing industry because recycling reduces the need to refine new materials.
Sudhanshu learned about Habitat’s Cars for Homes program from an ad on a Metro bus.
“I was commuting here in Seattle when I saw a sticker for an option to donate the car. I knew then and there if I ever parted ways with my Hyundai Tiburon, that’s what I would do. Being able to do that is such a wonderful feeling.”
Habitat’s Cars for Homes program is a win-win for potential homeowners, for the environment and it’s personally gratifying for the donor. Donating a vehicle – cars, trucks, RVs, vans, SUVs, boats, and motorcycles, running or not – is simple. Towing is free! And many are tax deductible. Click the link for details and instructions.
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.
“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.
