Rendering:  Runberg Architecture Group

The Seattle Office of Housing has awarded LIHI's Jackson Workforce Housing project $5.5 million for construction!  This will enable LIHI to build 60 affordable units for families and individuals at 2020 S. Jackson Street (next to Ernestine Anderson Place).  LIHI's new office are proposed for the first floor.

This is the site that currently houses Nickelsville on Jackson. Nickelsville will be looking for a new site later in 2014 to provide shelter for up to 35 men, women and children. LIHI, Nickelsville and the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church would like to thank the many neighbors who have donated food, warm clothing, toys and gift cards. They are in need of firewood, gift cards to purchase construction materials and food, and donations to pay for the honey buckets and utilities.  If you can help with a new site or with donations, please contact LIHI.

Singing, Dancing, and Drumming at the Opening Celebration

On Wednesday, December 18, residents of LIHI's Meadowbrook View Apartments on Lake City Way celebrated the grand opening of their new community space.  Thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound (ECF), LIHI was able to renovate the vacant retail space at the property into an activity space for the 143 residents, including 72 very low-income children, living at Meadowbrook View. The renovated space includes a new computer lab, a large mirror for dance/movement classes, tables for arts and crafts, games, homework, support groups, or educational classes, a play area for kids, a new ping pong table, a Wii with movement games, a renovated bathroom, new carpet and fresh paint, and more. 

Special thanks to Meadowbrook Program Coordinator Lynn DeMarco for coordinating the renovations with help from maintenance staff Buu Nuygen, Case Manager, Liz Keenan, and Facilities Manager, John Syverson.  Big thanks to Stephen Tapp for volunteering his time as an architect putting in the new door.

Most of all, we would like to thank the employees of Boeing for their generosity in making this project a reality!   

Left: Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata, LIHI Director Sharon Lee, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and Enterprise's MA Leonard. Right: Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and representatives from the funders of Cheryl Chow Court--City of Seattle, Enterprise, Banner Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, and WSHFC--ceremonially toss shovelfuls of dirt.

On Friday, December 20, 60 hardy housing supporters braved Seattle's first snow of the season to attend the groundbreaking of Cheryl Chow Court, 50 new green affordable homes for seniors in Ballard (2014 NW 57th St.), scheduled to be completed in early 2015. The Mayor and other's gave heartwarming speeches while attendees drank hot coffee and cocoa.  Thanks to Enterprise for sponsoring the groundbreaking event. GGLO is the architect and Walsh Construction Co. is contractor.  

Joe Martin and Jim Page laying down some licks

On Saturday, December 21, Folk legend Jim Page accompanied by Joe Martin of Clay Pipe played a free concert for appreciative residents and friends of Ernestine Anderson Place. To continue celebrating the legacy of Ernestine Anderson and the Central District's music scene, LIHI will begin hosting free concerts at Ernestine Anderson Place on a regular basis. Stay tuned for details.  

On Tuesday, January 28, join LIHI, the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, and advocates from across the state to tell elected officials that you support affordable housing, and programs to prevent and end homelessness.

Last year's LIHI's team of two-dozen advocates included 14 residents representing 6 LIHI properties - the largest low-income resident delegation in Olympia! Divided into 12 legislative district teams, residents, LIHI supporters, volunteers, board members, and staff attended nearly 40 face-to-face meetings with their lawmakers to advocate for homes for all. This January, you have an opportunity to be a part of this very important day of action!

As a LIHI supporter, you have a very valuable perspective. You are proof that the community cares very deeply about ending homelessness, and your elected officials need to hear from you! At the Housing & Homelessness Advocacy Day (HHAD), you will have the chance to speak with your legislators face-to-face to simply share with them why our cause is important to you, and why you choose to support LIHI and the Urban Rest Stop.

The day includes: 

• Workshops on how to talk to your elected officials and be the most effective advocate possible.
• Inside information and timely updates on affordable housing and homelessness legislation.
• Meetings with your lawmakers for which you'll be provided with key messages, documents to leave with your legislators, and support to share your story.
• An opportunity to build the power of a strong and growing movement for affordable housing and an end to homelessness.

Want to learn more? Read what Urban Rest Stop volunteer Michelle shared about her 2013 HHAD experience on our volunteer blog. 

If you are ready to take fighting homelessness to the next level, then please join the Housing Alliance and LIHI on January 28 in Olympia for the annual Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day! Click here to register today!

To join LIHI's HHAD delegation, email [email protected] or call 206-957-8035. We will be coordinating rides for low income residents of LIHI - be sure to contact us by January 10th if you need transportation assistance!