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Low Income Housing Institute 

Description

LIHI combats poverty and homelessness by providing affordable housing to low-income and homeless individuals, families, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities.   LIHI has a portfolio of 1,845 permanent and transitional housing units at 50 properties in the Puget Sound region. Our Supportive Services Department provides case management and service coordination for our residents. LIHI also operates the Urban Rest Stop providing free hygiene and health services to homeless people in Seattle.

Mission Statement
The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) develops, owns, and operates housing for the benefit of low-income, homeless, and formerly homeless people in Washington state; advocates for just housing policies at the local and national levels; and administers a wide range of supportive service programs to assist those we serve in maintaining stable housing and increasing their self-sufficiency.
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Low Income Housing Institute
2407 1st Avenue 
Seattle 
WA
98121-1311 
(206) 443-9935 

Sharon Lee 
Executive Director 

Programs

Low Income Housing Institute Programs

Affordable Housing                

  • LIHI’s portfolio includes 1,845 affordable rental & homeowner units in Seattle and surrounding areas.                
  • 3,871 people live in LIHI housing including 706 families with children.                       
  • 1,332 or over 72% of LIHI’s units house formerly homeless individuals and families in transitional and permanent housing. 

Supportive Services                

  • LIHI provides supportive services to over 1,700 very low-income, formerly homeless, and special needs individuals and families in 685 households.                    
  • LIHI provides services to increase the stability and self-sufficiency of their residents, including:  case management, resource coordination, information and referral services, crisis intervention, basic needs purchases, independent living skills training, and educational programs. 

Urban Rest Stop (URS)                     

  • LIHI's URS is a hygiene center that provides a safe and dignified environment where homeless people can use restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as health, information, and referral services all free of charge.                           
  • The URS has been in operation for 12 years and serves an average of 450 homeless people each day. 

Advocacy                

  • LIHI has a record of successfully fighting for social change and progressive policies to end homelessness and combat poverty.  LIHI provides legislative testimony and communication with state and national elected officials.                           
  • LIHI publishes and distributes Housing Washington, a statewide newsletter focusing on current policy and activities in affordable housing.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

In 2013, LIHI opened the 60 unit Ernestine Anderson Place in Seattle's Central Area.  We brought 45 homeless seniors, including 8 veterans, into permanent housing linked with supportive services, and provided housing for an additional 15 low-income seniors.

In 2012, LIHI opened a second Urban Rest Stop in the University District in collaboration with University Temple United Methodist Church and ROOTS.  Within days the new URS was operating at full capacity, once again demonstrating how vital hygiene services--showers, laundry, foot care, and more--are for the homeless.

In 2011, LIHI opened Gossett Place in the University District.  We brought 71 chronically homeless young adults and veterans off the streets and into permanent supportive housing.  Named after Larry Gossett, King County Council Chair and highly respected community leader, Gossett Place is a shining example of how affordable housing can be built to high design standards and contribute to neighborhood revitalization.

In 2009, LIHI used its creative savvy to take advantage of the economic slowdown when they purchased the site, permits, and plans from a private developer who was denied bank loans for a boutique hotel.  Because this project was “shovel ready”, it took only 2 years to complete. Gossett Place is a 62 unit property for homeless young adults and veterans with a state-of-the-art computer lab, a large community room, and two rooftop decks with raised garden beds and city views.  Resident rent is 30% of their income.  Supportive services are provided on-site through a partnership with Sound Mental Health. 

LIHI has five projects with 217 units in various stages of acquisition, pre-development, and construction:  Ballard Senior Housing (50 units), Bellevue Apartments (57 units), Jackson Workforce Housing (60 units), and Roosevelt Apartments (50 units).  LIHI needs continued financial support to build these units and provide services to the low-income families and individuals that will live in them.   We also need ongoing support for the Urban Rest Stop.

Evaluation


Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) develops, owns and operates housing for low-income and formerly homeless people. LIHI also operates two Urban Rest Stop (URS), hygiene facilities in downtown Seattle as well as at the ROOTS shelter in the University District.

Proven Success
LIHI is consistently in position to capitalize on opportunities for expanding their portfolio. They are currently in the midst of developing several properties, including 60 units of housing for homeless seniors and veterans in the Central District, 57 units of housing for homeless veterans and families in Downtown Bellevue, and 60 units of housing in Little Saigon for immigrants and refugees.

Financial Health
Despite challenging cuts in public funding, LIHI remains in strong financial position. They have increased private fundraising efforts and broke agency records at their 2012 auction. The Home Depot Foundation is a major supporter and engages with LIHI in numerous and creative ways.

Partnerships and Collaboration
LIHI utilizes local partnerships to leverage financial resources, development expertise, and service delivery to further its mission. A recent example of this is their collaboration with Vulcan and the City of Seattle to identify space in South Lake Union for a large low income housing development that could potentially include job training, services, and emergency shelter space.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
3/10/2012 $25,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/10/2011 $15,000.00support general operating expenses of the Urban Rest Stop.
3/10/2010 $25,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2007 $25,000.00support general operating expenses.
10/31/2005 $2,500.00support the Capital Campaign to expand the Urban Rest Stop. This grant is made in honor of Jan Condit in recognition of her dedication to The Seattle Foundation as Chair of the Grants Committee.
9/22/2005 $35,000.00support the capital campaign to expand the Urban Rest Stop.
6/12/2003 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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