Funding opportunities
We are soliciting applications for both time-sensitive and ongoing funding opportunities, such as:
- Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition funding opportunity, available to for acquisition and rapid conversion of multifamily properties for people experiencing homelessness. Applications are due Monday, June 15.
- Housing Trust Fund Repair Fund, available to eligible applicants to address one-time repair projects, such as repair of units or buildings, abatement of potentially hazardous materials, and safety-related structural improvements of affordable housing. The Repair Fund received additional funding in the state supplemental budget. The budget calls for certain updates in how we administer the fund, so stay tuned for updated program guidance and the reopening of the portal to applications later this year.
Department of Housing Task Force: Updates and feedback opportunities
The Washington State Department of Commerce is supporting the newly formed Department of Housing Task Force, established through Executive Order 25‑12. The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations for the creation of a statewide Department of Housing, which would strengthen Washington’s ability to address housing supply, affordability, and homelessness.
The Task Force will create a report, due in November, that will be submitted to the Legislature and the Governor for consideration during the 2027 legislative session.
Public involvement is a key component of this work. The Task Force will seek input from community members, local governments, tribes, housing providers, and individuals with lived experience. Engagement and feedback will help shape recommendations related to priorities, program improvements, and measures of effectiveness. A public survey and regular Task Force meetings are open to Washington residents who wish to participate.
Get more information, register for upcoming meetings, and provide feedback at the Task Force website.
Property highlight: Canopy Apartments
The Multifamily Housing Unit partnered with White Center Community Development Association and Community Roots Housing to develop the Canopy Apartments and White Center HUB. These properties will be housing, community space and service venues for White Center families for years to come.
Read more about Canopy Apartments on our website.
Q1 Portfolio Milestones
Overall, MHU helped create 130 new and rehabilitated affordable homes across four properties. Thanks to all those who made this great work happen!
Cedar House
Where? Bremerton, Kitsap County
- Placed in service? January 15
- Who developed? Peninsula Community Health Services
- Who funded? Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
- How much did Commerce contribute? $112,000
- Who is housed? 2 households earning up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Read more about Peninsula Community Health Services on our website.
Pacific Apartments
- Where? Seattle, King County
- Placed in service? January 27
- Who developed? Plymouth Housing Group
- Who funded? Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF), City of Seattle, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Umpqua Bank, and others
- How much did Commerce contribute? $5,346,010
- Who is housed? 87 households, including those with multiple special needs, earning 30-50% of AMI
Read more about Pacific Apartments on our website.
Lopez Village North
- Where? Lopez Island, San Juan County
- Placed in service? February 10
- Who developed? Housing Lopez, Inc.
- Who funded? Washington State HTF
- How much did Commerce contribute? $3,400,000
- Who is housed? 14 households, including those with multiple special needs, earning up to 50% of area median income
didgʷálič Transitional Housing
- Where? La Conner, Skagit County
- Placed in service? March 3
- Who developed? Swinomish Health Services
- Who funded? Washington State HTF
- How much did Commerce contribute? $4,365,000
- Who is housed? 26 adults with substance use disorder challenges, earning up to 30% of area median income
Do you have ideas for this newsletter? We want to showcase valuable and actionable information relevant to Commerce contractors, prospective developers, property managers, and more! If you have an idea for newsletter content, please email Tim Marshall.