Program areas at Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County
Homeownership program: families in need of a decent place to live, build safe and affordable homes in partnership with us. Habitat houses are modestly sized. They are large enough for the homeowner families' needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs affordable. By using the labor of volunteers and prospective homeowners, employing efficient building methods, keeping house sizes modest, and using donated construction materials and appliances, Habitat makes its houses affordable for low-income families to purchase. Affordable homeownership helps create the conditions that free families from instability, stress and fear and encourage self-reliance and confidence. Studies show that strong and stable households are foundational to child development and growth. When a home fosters instead of hinders health and safety, families can flourish. Owning an affordable home also allows homeowners to lift up their entire family by saving for their futures and investing in educational opportunities, bolstering job opportunities and career growth. During fiscal year 2023, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County served 35 families through its long-term home ownership program. 2,390 volunteers served 5,781 times and worked 31,942 hours building new homes, renovating existing ones, and making critical repairs for low-income families across king County.
Home preservation program: our home preservation program is an outreach initiative that seeks to provide a wide range of opportunities for low- to moderate-income homeowners, including veterans and seniors, who are struggling to maintain their homes because of age, disability or family circumstances. We partner with families to help them reclaim their homes with pride and dignity. The program allows families to stay in their home and avoid the uncertainty, trauma and expense of moving. Projects consist of interior and/or exterior repairs intended to alleviate critical health life and safety issues or code violations. Habitat staff, volunteers, and subcontractors collaborate to complete the repairs necessary to keep homes safe and secure. Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County served 84 homeowners during fy2023.
Habitat restores: operating four Habitat stores, in bellevue, tukwila, auburn and ellensburg (kittitas cty Habitat for Humanity). Habitat provided an outlet for manufacturers, contractors and individuals to donate surplus building materials and home furnishings for resale, thus diverting 3,165 tons of materials from landfills in fy2023. These products were made available to the public and other associated affordable housing providers. The 4 physical store locations and utilization of online tools (donation system, website, facebook and positive google review ratings) has helped to increase inventory volumes and sales.