It’s been 15 years since any new affordable housing buildings have been built in Jefferson
County, according to Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP), who took on the challenge by opening 7th Haven affordable housing complex. OlyCAP brought together over 200 organizers, elected officials, and community members to honor the completion of this six-year project. The ribbon cutting was held in early April at the apartment’s parking lot, bringing a lot of smiles and gratitude to the horizon.
With rent prices being at an all-time high, almost 1 in 2 households in the Olympic region are cost burdened. There is a shortfall across the Olympic region for low-income renters, as there is a deficit of over 4,000 units affordable at 30% HUD adjusted median family income (HAMFI). Check out OCH’s data tool, Connecting to Data to learn more.
7th Haven is a step towards directly addressing that gap. This complex is intended to support the working class, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence to have a safe and desirable place to call home. 7th Haven also would allow residents of Jefferson County to stay in their hometown, rather than being pushed out due to rental costs. Information gathered by OCH from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Olympic Region.
This 43-unit complex will be a new home for community members to live, work, grow, and play. 7th Haven will also have on-site support services provided by Discovery Behavioral Health, Dove House, and Olympic Neighbors. 7th Haven also plans to partner with the YMCA to provide a childcare center with a play area and a courtyard for residents. Centered between Seventh and Hendricks Street in Port Townsend, the complex is walking distance from a grocery store, the hospital, the bus line, and schools. Residents also have access to a Zero Emissions vehicle for shared use, with the intention to promote dignity and independence. This building represents the latest green building techniques, a shining example of the crosswalk between affordable housing and the future of smart and sustainable living. 7th Haven represents affordable housing while being environmentally sound and secure.
Determination, hard work, patience, and collaboration are just a few words to describe the unmatchable efforts that went into making 7th Haven a success. At the ribbon cutting, Congressman Derek Kilmer shared “This is a facility that will represent a new beginning for a whole lot of people,” (PT Leader) This incredible accomplishment is a testimony to what can be accomplished in the Olympic region through collaborative action.
Interested in collaborating on housing solutions? OCH is hosting a Housing Convening on May 18 at Red Cedar Hall, sign up for our newsletter to stay connected to the work!