Commerce names YouthCare, Capitol Hill Housing to receive $1 million grant
State Housing Trust Fund invests in redevelopment of Seattle College properties for housing young adults
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced that YouthCare, in partnership with another nonprofit, Capitol Hill Housing, has been selected for a $1 million grant through the state’s Housing Trust Fund and the Office of Homeless Youth. Pending execution of a contract with Commerce, the funds will be available on a reimbursement basis as plans proceed to purchase and redevelop the Seattle College South Annex properties.
Once complete, the project could create 53 units of affordable housing, including 10 dormitory-style units for homeless young adults ages 18-24. Fourteen of the permanent affordable housing units are also targeted specifically for young people.
“Commerce is strengthening communities by investing in affordable housing and homelessness programs and services,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “The causes of homelessness are complicated and the consequences for families and young people are especially troubling. Projects such as this one proposed by YouthCare and their partners to provide stable housing and supportive services can make the difference that may change the course of a young person’s life from dependence to self-sufficiency. Studies show that every $100 increase in rent contributes to increasing homelessness by as much as 30 percent in some communities,” Bonlender said.
The Office of Homeless Youth was established at Commerce in 2015. Funding for the grant is included in the state’s capital budget, approved in the second week of the current legislative session in Olympia.