Affordable housing preservation is a key priority to Commerce and the Washington State Legislature. In 2024, the Legislature directed Commerce to provide funds for emergency repairs to affordable housing as a means to address the need for preserving existing affordable housing units. As a result, Commerce has released the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Repair Fund, which will provide targeted repair funding for Washington affordable housing units that have received public funding.
What is the HTF Repair Fund?
The HTF Repair Fund can provide up to $200,000 to eligible applicants in order 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. Priority will be given to projects with repairs that cause a unit to be uninhabitable or projects with repairs that cause health or safety issues for tenants. HTF Repair Funds may not be used for maintenance related to operations, maintenance, and services.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, a Washington multifamily housing provider must:
- Provide low-income housing with an active contract in the Commerce HTF portfolio, including properties funded by:
- State Housing Trust Fund
- National Housing Trust Fund
- HOME program
- Provide permanent supportive housing with a current contractual obligation from any public capital funding source, including municipal funds.
Read more about eligible projects and other program guidelines on Box.
How do I apply?
To apply, visit our online portal, which will launch on June 2, 2025.
Documentations necessary will depend on application type and may include:
- HTF Contract
- Contract from another public funder
- Itemized invoice, receipts, bids, and/or estimates
- Insurance claim or explanation or why insurance is not used
Commerce employees will make their best efforts to review applications within 10 days of submission.