PROJECTS

SHA 2008 Community Development Projects

The Supportive Housing Association continues to pursue financing opportunities to construct safe and accessible housing and service facilities for underserved communities. In response to the demand for affordable senior housing and accessible service facilities, partnerships continued with the township of Buckley to complete construction of  20 one bedroom units of senior housing . In addition, the Supportive Housing Association began providing rental subsidies and maintenance services for low-income seniors and disabled persons who wish to remain within their community of choice.

Urban revitalization work on behalf of special needs groups continues with the City of Tacoma and the Pacific Heights Neighborhood Association.

Project One: White River Senior Housing, Town of Buckley

SHA provided technical writing, GIS Mapping services, and facilitated collaborative working a agreements with the White River Housing Association, Rural LISC, Enumclaw Memorial Hospital, Snohomish Senior Services, and Pierce County Community Services resulting in:

• Resubmission of the HUD 202 Section 8 application
• LISC technical assistance grant for WRHA
• Recommitment and increase in Pierce County Community Block funds

 

Project 2: Eatonville Area Wellness Clinic and Senior Housing

SHA implementied a public relations program designed to inform the community of the need for senior housing and a medical clinic. The result of this targeted public relations plan included the following: project endorsement by Washington State Senator Marilyn Rasmussen and the Ohop Grange; recruitment of new board members for the project sponsor-Eatonville Area Council; submission of funding applications to the Washington State Legislature capital facility fund and Pierce County Community Services. The project was awarded $100,000 for land acquisition by Pierce County Community Services Block Grant program.

A a community-wide charette sponsored by United Way of Pierce County and the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and facilitated by an Architect and Urban Studies students from the University of Washington, Tacoma Campus was convened to determine the demand for supportive housing and health care services. This work led to the completion of a feasibility study, followed by the recommendation that an historical study of architectural style and Eatonville's diverse cultural heritage was needed for final completion of architectural schematics.

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Project 3: Pacific Heights Neighborhood Association

SHA assisted with the organization of community forums, networking with other neighborhood groups, and promoting development concepts to include Pacific Boulevard and the founding of the Pacific Avenue Business District. A spring festival is planned and submission of grant proposals has resulted in the acquisiton of planter boxes for beautifying Pacific Avenue.