Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington (CHS) develops, owns and
manages over 2,000 units of affordable housing in Western Washington and serves
families who have experienced homelessness, low income seniors, and those who
have special physical and mental needs.
Proven Success
As a provider of affordable housing in Western Washington they are committed to
developing and managing housing that meets the needs of poor and vulnerable
persons; advocating for policies and resources to ensure the continued
availability of community resources to meet housing needs; and convening and
organizing other faith-based groups, non-profits, government agencies and the
business community to enlist their help in making housing a priority.
Use of Best Practices
Most of their residents have moved into their housing directly from the
street. They come to their program with
challenges which include struggles with substance abuse, mental illness and
chronic illnesses. CHS programs are
designed to provide services that range from low to intensive to meet the
Need of the client. Their service model
is strength based and respectful.
The Josephinum apartment complex in Seattle was the first property that
Catholic Housing Services developed for affordable housing, and with 220 studio
apartments. It is the cornerstone of
their services for low-income and homeless adults and seniors. The Residential
Services Coordinator at the Josephinum provides residents with information
about resources including income, health care, employment, transportation,
documentation, and support services.
Funding for support services is not consistent across their properties. Depending on government funding priorities in
the years that each housing project was developed, residential services are
included in some project budgets, and not in others. For those properties that do not have dedicated
funding for services CHS has used rental income in the past to add Resident
Service Coordinators. As their
facilities age they need more upkeep and repairs, so rents have been allocated
to these building needs, leaving many properties without residential
services. CHS leadership has adopted a
strategy to seek funding to continue and expand services to support the
residents, including a new grant program, major donor solicitations, and
general appeals.
Financial Health
CHS successfully competes for, and is awarded, contracts for services provided
through their programs. These funding
sources include private fees, insurance programs, corporations and foundations,
cities, counties, and the state of Washington.
In addition, CHS receives and holds Federal contracts, and is in full
compliance with HUD non-discrimination requirements. 21% of their budget comes from government
sources, 71% from fees and earned income, and 3% from foundations and
corporations.
Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:
Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:
| Date | Amount | | Purpose |
|---|
| 3/10/2013 |
$20,000.00 |  | provide general operating support. | | 3/10/2011 |
$20,000.00 | | support general operating expenses. | | 12/10/2008 |
$60,000.00 | | support general operating expenses and the Bakhita Gardens renovation project. | | 10/5/2006 |
$45,000.00 | | support general operating expenses. | | 9/16/2004 |
$70,000.00 | | support general operating expenses. |
|