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In 2023 and beyond, we have continued to accelerate our mission of building stable communities and access to opportunity through affordable housing. We do this, in part, by carrying out our work in partnership with others who share our vision for a region in which all people share in its prosperity and opportunity. The stories in our 2023 Annual Report are evidence that our mission is best pursued through these profound collaborations. We are grateful to all our partners–donors, governments, other organizations, and the business community. If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of them.  Our achievements outlined in Bellwether Housing's 2023 Annual Report demonstrate the power of partnerships in enriching community life and ensuring more families have access to stable, supportive homes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2024 Contact: Megan Mayes Director of Community Relations mmayes@bellwetherhousing.org | 206-428-3761 SEATTLE --- Bellwether Housing will redevelop the Kingway Apartments in the Rainier Valley to build 730 new affordable homes on the six-acre lot. Bellwether plans to begin the phased redevelopment in mid-2026, if it can secure the necessary public funding for the project. Bellwether has been operating the 164-unit property as affordable housing since 1989. During the first phase of the project, Bellwether will replace 100 units with 270 new homes that are scheduled to open in 2028. “We are excited to build so many new transit-oriented homes.” said Susan Boyd, CEO of Bellwether. “We have planned carefully to maintain as many apartments as possible throughout the project to minimize the disruption to our current residents.” Bellwether will be working with each impacted household to help them move into alternate housing during construction. Current tenants will have priority to move into the new buildings when they are complete. The original buildings and infrastructure were built in 1964. Bellwether examined the cost of rehabilitation of the current structures and determined that it was cost prohibitive. Given Seattle’s on-going need for affordable family housing and the financial challenges of maintaining or rehabilitating the existing buildings, Bellwether made the decision to redevelop the property. The transit-oriented community will be one block away from the new Graham Street light rail station that will be completed in 2031. It will contain new homes ranging from studio apartments to three and four bedrooms for families. According to the Seattle Office of Housing, Seattle needs to build 112,000 new homes over the next 20 years to meet the expected demand. About 70,000 homes will be needed for the one-third of Seattle households that make less than 80% of the area median income. Boyd added, “Ultimately, this came down to what was best for our mission of creating community by providing as many people in our community with affordable housing as possible. The new homes will be beautiful, energy efficient and financially sustainable and will dramatically increase the number of affordable homes in this community.” ### Bellwether Housing is the largest private, nonprofit affordable housing provider in Seattle. We build stable communities and access to opportunity through affordable housing. We develop and manage homes for people with limited incomes near job centers, transit, and services. We amplify our impact by helping other organizations in the Puget Sound region do the same. We envision diverse communities where people of all incomes and backgrounds share in the prosperity of our region.

As we step into Mental Health Awareness Month this May, it's imperative to recognize the profound impact that safe and affordable housing has on mental well-being. At Bellwether Housing, where our mission revolves around providing quality housing options for all, this connection is at the core of our work. The Housing-Mental Health Nexus Studies from respected organizations like The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) consistently demonstrate the intimate relationship between housing stability and mental health. Access to safe and affordable housing isn't just a matter of shelter, it's a cornerstone of emotional and psychological stability. When individuals and families have a secure place to call home, they experience reduced stress levels, increased feelings of safety and security, and enhanced overall well-being. Conversely, inadequate housing—characterized by instability, overcrowding, or unaffordability—can exacerbate existing mental health challenges or even precipitate new ones. The constant worry about housing insecurity, the stress of living in substandard conditions, or the trauma of homelessness can take a severe toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Our Commitment to Mental Health At Bellwether Housing, we understand the critical role we play in supporting the mental well-being of our residents. By providing safe, stable, and affordable housing options, we contribute to the creation of nurturing environments where individuals and families can thrive. Moreover, we recognize that addressing mental health isn't just about offering housing; it's about fostering communities that prioritize empathy, support, and inclusivity. The Unique Stresses of Working in the Affordable Housing Sector Employees in the affordable housing industry, such as those at Bellwether Housing, are on the front lines of dealing with housing insecurity and its associated challenges. We work tirelessly to provide stable housing solutions, often navigating complex regulations, tight budgets, and direct interaction with residents facing significant life stresses. This can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout if not properly managed. The Importance of Self-Care Taking care of oneself is not just a personal responsibility but also a professional imperative. In the affordable housing sector, where the well-being of countless individuals can depend on the decisions and stability of a few, the mental health of employees directly impacts their efficacy and the quality of service they can provide. Self-care involves recognizing one's own needs for rest, relaxation, and mental health support, and taking proactive steps to meet these needs. CuraLinc Employee Assistance Program Recognizing the intense pressures our employees might face, Bellwether Housing has partnered with CuraLinc to provide a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program is designed to support the mental health and overall well-being of Bellwether Housing’s employees. Strict confidentiality standards ensure no one will know you have accessed the program. Access to CuraLinc allows employees to confidentially address personal and professional challenges through services such as: Counseling: Access to licensed therapists for personal, family, and work-related issues Work-Life Solutions: Guidance on matters like childcare, eldercare, legal issues, and financial planning Wellness Resources: Programs aimed at maintaining physical health, which is closely linked to mental well-being Moving Forward Together As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let's recommit ourselves to the cause of housing justice and mental well-being. Let's continue to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize affordable housing and mental health support services for all. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to the housing they need and the support they deserve to lead fulfilling lives. Let's keep the conversation going, raise awareness, and take action to create a world where safe and affordable housing is recognized as a fundamental human right—one that underpins not just physical shelter, but also mental health and dignity.

At Closer to Home 2023, we shared the story of one of our residents, Mr. Captain Larry. Larry is 40 years old, a dancer and an artist, and has a disability. He has lived in Bellwether Housing at The Genesee since 2006. Larry's nephew helps him film and post dance videos to his Tik Tok channel, which has 4,500 followers. Larry has such a great personality and is so engaging you can’t help but get excited around him. His go-to phrase is "share the love," which inspires us to continue sharing the love every day. Last year, Larry told his Resident Services Coordinator that he loves the Mariners but has never been to a game and that he would love to throw out a pitch. Normally, our Resident Services Coordinators support residents in daily living tasks like accessing food, filing for Medicare, finding childcare, or applying for jobs, but in this case, they figured out a way to help Larry achieve his dreams. The Mariners honored Larry as a Hometown All-Star on July 2, 2023! He and his family had great seats at the game and Larry received a swag bag with gear and goodies. Thank you to everyone at the Mariners who made Larry feel special and for giving a shout-out to Bellwether Housing! Watch Larry's story in the video below. Please donate to support Bellwether Housing. Together, we can help our neighbors, like Larry, find home and build stable, thriving lives.

We're sharing stories from our residents about what their Bellwether apartment means to them. Check back for more stories soon! Deangelo moved to Seattle from Oklahoma. He slept on a bench outside, then moved into a homeless shelter. He didn’t like it there, so he went back to the bench. Then a man saw him sleeping outside and gave him a tent. While he was living in a tent, Deangelo applied for a job with Swedish Medical Center First Hill. He did a video interview, where they hired him on the spot. Deangelo had previously worked as a patient transporter for a hospital in Dallas, but that job has different requirements in Seattle. So at Swedish, he started working in the Environmental Services department. He hopes to move to patient transport at some point because he still has his CPR license. When Deangelo’s boss at Swedish found out he was sleeping in a tent, they let him sleep in a room at work and started trying to help him find housing. A Swedish staff member from the Community Health Investments team reached out to Bellwether’s partner Plymouth Housing, who then connected them with Bellwether. The Bellwether team worked with Deangelo to figure out what kind of housing he qualified for and where to apply. We’re thrilled that Deangelo moved into The Rise on Madison on April 27! His apartment is five minutes away from his job. When asked what his apartment means to him, he said “It means a lot. A whole bunch. I love it. I’ve come a long way. I’m proud of myself.” In addition to working at the hospital, Deangelo is also a guitarist and a singer. He takes guitar lessons online from a teacher in Oklahoma. “I’m doing some really exciting and fun stuff. I live an adventurous life. I take karate and am trying to get back in shape. I took ballet in high school, years ago. Now I’m 46. But you’re as young as you eat and exercise. I live in a big world,” said Deangelo. Deangelo is still trying to furnish his apartment. His coworkers have given him some things and Bellwether too. “I’m a grown man. I used all my money to move into my apartment. I’ll wait until my next pay period and then buy what I want. It takes time but I’m patient,” he said. “You’ve got to learn how to adapt and survive and use what you’ve got at the moment, until you get what you really need. I’m grateful.” For other people going through similar experiences as him, Deangelo gave this advice: “Be consistent. Don’t give up. Get a job. Be diligent in everything you do. You have to have connection with God. Save up your money. Be resourceful and, if you don’t know how to do something, find someone at an organization or library to help you.” Please donate to support Bellwether Housing. Together, we can help our neighbors, like Deangelo, find home and build stable, thriving lives.

We're sharing stories from our residents about what their Bellwether apartment means to them. Check back for more stories soon! Leah was having a hard time finding a job. She’s a very capable, outgoing, and intelligent woman who lives at Arbora Court. Last summer, she started working with Carlisa, our employment specialist, to improve her resume, discuss her potential careers, and search job openings. After considering different career paths, Leah wrote a letter to a temp service so that she could get temporary work while she sorts out some of the challenges in her life. The temp service hired her to work in concessions at Seahawks and Kraken games. At first, the only benefit to the job was being able to pay her bills. But as Leah received more compliments from her manager, coworkers, and customers, she really started to like her work. This boosted her self esteem. Leah is proud of herself and her work. We’re proud of her too! Resident Services Coordinators help residents like Leah: Sign up for rental assistance and apply for scholarships Find a job, with interview and resume prep Access medical and mental health care Find quality, affordable childcare Access resources like schools, libraries, and food banks Sign up for unemployment & disability benefits Find ESL Classes or go back to school Combat social isolation with organized activities Coordinators kept more than 550 at-risk families housed during the pandemic. Please donate to support Bellwether Housing. Together, we can help our neighbors, like Leah, find home and build stable, thriving lives.

We're sharing stories from our residents about what their Bellwether apartment means to them. Check back for more stories soon! Lilian is a single mom to three children and works as a caregiver. Lilian and her family live in Arbora Court in the University District. They all really like their apartment and her children have friends in the building. “Our apartment means security, shelter, safety … it means everything for our family,” said Lilian. Before Arbora Court Apartments, Lilian and her family lived in Lacey, Washington. But they didn’t have the resources they needed. One of Lilian’s sons has nonverbal autism. They moved to Seattle so that they could access necessary resources for her son’s special needs. Lilian appreciates living close to Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Medical Center. Arbora Court’s Resident Services Coordinator helped Lilian apply to the University Christian Church scholarship fund, which provides funding for educational activities for children and youth at Arbora Court. She likes that she can choose a program that enriches their family. “My kids love water. Last year they chose swimming classes, which were fun and very good for them to learn to swim. It’s a life-saving thing to learn. The children really enjoyed it. We can do it together as a family,” said Lilian. Please donate to support Bellwether Housing. Together, we can help our neighbors, like Lilian and her children, find home and build stable, healthy lives.

We're sharing stories from our residents about what their Bellwether apartment means to them. Check back for more stories soon! Libby lives in Olive Tower in the Denny Triangle neighborhood of downtown Seattle. Libby used to live in Chicago and took care of her mom. But after her mom died, there was nothing left for her there. Libby’s daughter talked her into moving to Seattle. She really likes this city; she has been here for more than six years. Libby was laid off and Carlisa (an Employment Specialist with Bellwether Housing) helped her get into a job training program for medical services. She's very proud of her certificate of completion. “I was struggling and couldn’t find resources. Carlisa was the only person who helped me. This program helped me get on my way in the direction I want to go. Now I’ve had several job interviews," said Libby. Please donate to support Bellwether Housing. Together, we can help our neighbors, like Libby, find home and build stable, thriving lives.

Patrick is a retired senior living at Meridian Manor Apartments. His apartment is important to him because it’s a roof over his head. Patrick likes that his apartment is comfortable and allows him to stay healthy. He appreciates that his neighborhood has everything he needs in it and his surroundings are familiar. Patrick lives alone, but has friends in the building. He knows that community is important for everyone, at all stages of life. “I enjoy my neighbors. A good neighbor is one that greets you nicely no matter what type of day it is. We do have a lot of interesting people within our building,” said Patrick. Patrick is pleased that his Resident Services Coordinator organizes trips for the seniors in his building. This year they visited places like the Van Gogh art exhibit and Snoqualmie Falls. “We have a Resident Services Coordinator who is very good in her position and she handles the residents with a certain amount of dignity that is not seen too often. She is exceptionally good at what she’s doing,” said Patrick. Please donate to support Bellwether Housing. Together, we can help our neighbors, like Patrick, find home and build stable, healthy lives.

Azeb is a single mom who works as a janitor at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Azeb and her 12-year-old son lost their housing and first tried living with her sister. That didn’t work out and they ended up in a homeless shelter. “Nobody helped me. As a single mom, it’s hard. I have a little bit of a problem with my leg and am disabled. I work but my salary is a little low,” said Azeb. Thankfully, last year Azeb and her son were able to move into Kingway–one of Bellwether Housing’s apartment buildings in Rainier Valley. Liya, a Resident Services Coordinator, told Azeb about King County’s Housing Access and Services Program (HASP), which helps individuals with disabilities access Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. A Section 8 voucher allows a person to pay between 30% and 40% of their income towards rent and utilities. Azeb is excited that she received a HASP voucher to help pay rent. She and her son really like their apartment. “Liya has helped me a lot. Thank you so much to Bellwether. I really appreciate everything you do,” said Azeb. Our Resident Services Coordinators play essential roles in supporting our residents and preventing homelessness. Besides helping to secure rental assistance, they help with things like finding affordable childcare and enrollment assistance for benefits such as SNAP, Orca Lift, and Medicaid/Medicare. They also build partnerships with local organizations that bring new skills to residents (like swim lessons) and build community. And so much more! Please donate to support Bellwether Housing. Together, we can help our neighbors, like Azeb and her son, find home and build stable, thriving lives.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Bellwether Housing and our supporters believe in a tomorrow in which everyone in our community has access to a safe, stable and affordable home; in which everyone has a home in which they can build their own tomorrow. Thank you for the seeds you have planted with us! Our 2022 Annual Report highlights buildings that are the fruits of the Building Opportunity Campaign, which will have sprouted nearly 1,000 new homes in just three years. And our resident services program continues to find new ways to support and enrich the lives of our residents. Together, we are master gardeners! Thank you for believing in tomorrow and for supporting Bellwether Housing and our residents.

Get to know three of our staff members: Alex, Yvette, and Todd.