Today, the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) provided an update to City Council’s Select Committee on Homelessness Strategies and Investments on three tiny house village projects that were previously anticipated to open this summer, as well as on hundreds of other shelter spaces in the pipeline for 2021.
The three tiny house projects combined are now expected to provide 120 tiny houses and provide shelter for up to 145 individuals with expected openings in September or October. The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) will operate all three villages, providing wraparound onsite services that will help a person end their experience with homelessness.
Friendship Heights Tiny House Village, located in North Seattle, will provide 50 tiny houses and is expected to open in mid-October after the demolition of existing structures on the property. LIHI owns the property and has completed an MOU with a religious sponsor for the site.
Rosie’s Tiny House Village in the University District will provide 36 new units. Pending a lease agreement between the City and Sound Transit, the property owner, the village could open as early as late September. Due to the size of the site, it will be necessary to seek legislative approval once an agreement on the lease is reached. HSD will be transmitting this legislation to the City Council for consideration and approval for the City to execute the lease. The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review of the site has been completed.
The existing Interbay Tiny House Village will expand and add 34 units. This partnership with the Port of Seattle has been ongoing since November 2017. Similar to Rosie’s, due to the size of the expansion project, it will require legislative approval from City Council for the lease to be signed. HSD and Finance and Administrative Services will submit this legislation to Council in August for consideration. The SEPA process is underway.
The Human Services Department appreciates the support and collaboration from its City department partners and from Sound Transit and Port of Seattle on these projects.