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< Back Previous Next Security Security Cameras Bellwether Housing has security cameras at building entrances and in common areas for resident and employee safety, protecting Bellwether property, and discouraging theft and other criminal activity. Bellwether uses security cameras in a professional and legal manner, consistent with Bellwether’s non-discrimination, harassment, and privacy policies. Copies of information obtained by security camera recording may be released to Bellwether staff and law enforcement personnel only. Previous Next

Stability Community Opportunity Stories Our Residents The residents at Bellwether are making life happen. They are good people with big hearts. Bellwether Housing is helping to strengthen their communities and give them more opportunities. Stability Finding Stability Many of our residents have told us that the housing we provided allowed them to survive life’s curveballs. Bellwether's goal is to boost people up , not keep them down. Some of our residents have fled their country or left another area of the US and arrived here knowing no one, or have disabilities or health complications. At Bellwether, residents get comfort and settle in. 50% of our residents have lived in their apartments for 5 years or more, and 20% for 10 years or more. Bellwether Residents: Teba and her mom Finding a Strong Community Many Bellwether residents lost work during the COVID-19 pandemic and were unable to pay rent. Our Resident Services Team identified all residents eligible for Seattle rental assistance and walked them through the complex application progress. Helping our residents get rental assistance and stay housed is some of the most important work Bellwether has ever done. Bellwether Residents: The Ritter family Finding Opportunity Our residents have told us that they were able to pursue a new job or education opportunities, had easier commutes, and could enroll their children in excellent schools because of the housing they have at Bellwether. Those who received scholarships took their education further and soon will be able to pursue new job opportunities. Bellwether Residents: The Fanose family Bellwether Resident Bellwether Resident: Augustine Creating access to opportunity through affordable housing Community Opportunity Stories RESIDENT STORIES Play Video Closer to Home 2025 - Taryn's Story Play Video Planting Seeds: Mr. Captain Larry and DeAngelo Play Video Cooking Together Play Video Behind the Scenes: Why Alex, Yvette, and Todd love their work! Play Video

< Back Previous Next Policies Pets and Service Animals Do Bellwether buildings allow pets? Cats and dogs (75 lb. limit) are accepted at: Bellevue/Olive, Cambridge, Casa Pacifica, First & Vine, Genesee, Gilmore, Mercer Court, Meridian Manor, Olive Tower, Oregon, Parker, Rose Street, Sunrise Tower (formerly Security House), Stewart Court, Stone Way, Tate Mason House, The Views at Madison, and Vine Court. Cats only are accepted at Graham/Terry and Sterling Court. Approval for certain other small household animals may be requested in writing. Bellwether limits the number of pets to two (2) per apartment. The pet deposit is $125 and Bellwether requires proof of inoculations, proof of spay/neutering, and a current license. Residents must agree to and follow the Bellwether Pet Policy. All Bellwether buildings accommodate approved service animals. Previous Next

Sponsor Bellwether's Closer to Home - our annual fundraiser to help build low income housing in Seattle! Home Support Us Closer to Home SPONSOR BENEFITS Download Sponsorship Form Download Benefits PDF VIEW DETAILS HIDE DETAILS Keynote Sponsorship $25,000 (only one spot available) Opportunity to introduce speakers at the event, and say a few words about your business during the program One VIP table (seats 10) Live podium recognition at the event Logo featured on event screen Linked logo on event website Logo on event communications Logo included in event program Acknowledgement on social media Acknowledgment in post-event communications and annual report Visionary Sponsorship $10,000 (only five spots available) One VIP table (seats 10) Live podium recognition at the event Logo featured on event screen Linked logo on event website Logo on event communications Logo included in event program Acknowledgement on social media Acknowledgment in post-event communications and annual report Champion Sponsorship $5,000 One table (seats 10) Live podium recognition at the event Logo featured on event screen Linked logo on event website Logo included in event program Acknowledgement on social media Acknowledgment in post-event communications and annual report Advocate Sponsorship $2,500 One table (seats 10) Company name on event website Company name included in event program Acknowledgment in post-event communications Partner Sponsorship $1,500 One table (seats 10) Company name on event website Company name included in event program Interested in getting involved in our 2022 Fundraiser? Have questions? Contact Mariel Wettick , Events & Fundraising Manager at: mwettick@bellwetherhousing.org

Support Us By giving to Bellwether Housing, you are supporting inclusive, equitable, and vibrant communities. Your donations help: Provide families with the stability of affordable housing near work and school Keep rent affordable for seniors and others on limited incomes Connect your neighbors to jobs, healthcare, and other services DONATE Make a general donation to support our provision of affordable housing and resident services Learn more Attend a Fundraiser Sponsor an Event Advocate Volunteer Give to Capital Campaigns Partner With Us Other Ways to Donate

Bellwether Housing Privacy Policy Your privacy is important to us. This privacy policy describes the type of information we collect and how this information is used. Our Website Bellwether Housing puts a high priority on protecting your privacy. Bellwether collects non-personally-identifying information, such as browser type, date and time of each visitor, and referring site. Information that is collected is anonymous by default. The purpose in collecting this information is to better understand how Bellwether visitors use our website. This information is not used to personally identify you. Personal information is collected if explicitly asked for, in connection with online donations, mailing lists, registration to special events, and other similar purposes that are clearly and explicitly identifies. Protecting of Certain Personally-Identifying Information Bellwether discloses potentially personally-identify and personally-identifying information only to those of its employees that need to know information in order to process or provide services available. We do not sell, share or rent this information to others under any circumstances. We will use the personal information to protect against potential fraud. We may verify with third parties the information collected in the course of processing a gift, event registration or other donation. If you use a credit or debit card on the website, we may use card authorization and fraud screening services to verify that your card information and address matches the information that you supplied to us and that the card being used has not been reported lost or stolen. Donor Policy Bellwether Housing is committed to respecting and protecting the personal privacy of its members, donors, guests, and website visitors at www.bellwetherhousing.org . Bellwether Housing uses personally identifiable information from donors that is collected at several points on our website, including name, address, telephone number, email address, and donor comments when a donor voluntarily provides this information to us. When a donor pledges money as a donation, Bellwether Housing requests certain personally identifiable information from them on our secure donation form and/ or by telephone. In addition, a record is kept of each donor’s giving history. Donor information is stored on a Bellwether Housing donor management database. Access to the database is restricted to personnel with a legitimate business need to access or modify the information contained therein. This information is maintained on file for IRS purposes and is also utilized for gift acknowledgments, donor recognition, and mailing lists. The Bellwether Housing will not sell, share, rent, or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors solely on behalf of other organizations though we will, from time to time, include information on collaborative initiatives with other entities to our donors via applicable means. This policy applies to all information received by Bellwether Housing, both online and offline, on any Platform (“Platform”, includes the Bellwether Housing website and mobile applications), as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. Resident and Applicant Information Bellwether Housing collects personal information from residents and housing applicants through forms submitted on our website, including grievance forms, requests for reasonable accommodation or modification, and other resident communications. This information may include names, contact information, housing details, and information voluntarily shared related to a concern, disability, or housing need. This information is used to review, respond to, investigate, and resolve concerns; to process requests for reasonable accommodation or modification; and to comply with applicable fair housing, civil rights, and accessibility laws. Access to this information is limited to staff members who have a legitimate business need to review it. Bellwether Housing does not sell or rent resident personal information. Information may be shared internally and, when required, with legal counsel, government agencies, or other parties as necessary to meet legal or regulatory obligations or to address the concern raised. We take reasonable measures to safeguard resident information and handle grievance submissions with care and confidentiality. Providing contact information may be necessary to investigate or respond to your concern. Bellwether Housing prohibits retaliation against any resident or applicant for submitting a grievance or requesting an accommodation. Updates to this Privacy Policy Without prejudice to your rights under applicable law, this Privacy Policy may be updated periodically and without prior notice to you to reflect changes in our Personal Data practices. We will notify website users of changes by updating the “Last Updated” date below. Last Updated: January 1, 2026

< Back Previous Next Security Weather Safety It’s great to prepare for extreme weather conditions, like snowstorms and heat waves, in advance. Stay stocked up on food, prescriptions, and other daily essentials. If you need help accessing food and medical supplies, contact your Resident Services Coordinator. If you drive, make sure that your car is filled with gas In icy conditions, be cautious to avoid falls and accidents. Wear shoes with traction and use walking sticks if needed for extra stability. When possible, avoid going out when there is snow or ice. DO NOT space heaters. Space heaters are not allowed at Bellwether because they are a fire risk. Every apartment has heat. If there is a problem with your heaters, please alert your Site Manager for Maintenance to assess. If there is a power outage, use battery powered lights. Keep these lights where it is easy to find them. During a power outage do not use candles near flammable materials. Keep candles or lanterns out the of the reach of children. Do not use grills, generators, or other gas-powered appliances in your home or anywhere on the property due the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Acts of nature will happen, and it is best to wait them out versus engaging in any risky behaviors. If you need help building an emergency kit, contact your Resident Services Coordinator Previous Next

Housing Washington 2024 Bellwether Housing's Download our brochures: Projects in Development Development Consulting Development Partnerships

Become a Development Partner Bellwether is committed to the development of safe and healthy housing in communities that serve the needs of its working population. Since its inception in 1980, Bellwether has fostered very strong relationships with local officials, state agencies, community leaders, residents, lenders, and investors to facilitate development. These relationships are vital to the success of both Bellwether and its residents. Given our commitment to long-term ownership and maintenance, Bellwether also recognizes the need to build homes that will be financially and physically stable well into the future. The team has a combined 50 years of development experience, including expertise in the use of public resources to create housing and structure financially complex transactions. In particular, Bellwether specializes in the use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, as well as the Historic Tax Credit, to create the equity necessary to capitalize a project. Are you interested in becoming a development partner? Or do you own a property you’d like to develop? Contact our Development Team today! Contact Us Vice President for Development Jovan Ludovice 206-623-0506 Send an email

< Back Previous Next Security Reporting Security Incidents Let us know about any safety issues you encounter. This helps us keep track of what’s happening at buildings. You can share with your property manager, resident service coordinator, by calling us at 206-623-0506 or emailing bellwether@bellwetherhousing.org . Emergencies If you or someone else are in immediate danger, call 911 if you are able and feel safe doing so. Consider requesting "fire and rescue only" when appropriate (i.e., for behavioral health issues). Non-Emergency Safety Issues For non-emergencies requiring a police response, such a reporting a theft or filing a crime report call: Seattle Police Department Non-Emergency Line: (206) 625-5011 Tukwila Police Department Non-Emergency Line: (206)-241-2121 Theft If there is a theft, contact the police non-emergency lines listed above. Then, please write an email or note to your Property Manager ASAP. This provides a written record of the issue and is proof in the event legal action is taken. If the building office is open, you can call your Property Manager directly. The site manager may unavailable immediately to respond, so this is why reports of non-emergency incidents should be put in writing. If you need help writing a report or need translation services, please contact your Resident Services Coordinator. If there is an emergency during business hours, call the police and call the office. The police are best equipped to handle urgent issues and reports of theft. Previous Next

Client Projects Bellwether provides development consulting services for nonprofit organizations that aspire to develop affordable housing in the Puget Sound region. Our team is experienced with a wide range of project types. We tailor services to your project’s unique characteristics and the needs of your organization. Services include: Project implementation strategies Real estate, land use, and financial analysis Design development and site entitlement permitting Pro forma and operating budgeting Project funding identification and applications Project lender and investor negotiations Development agreements with public agencies Construction management Lease-up through project stabilization Featured Client Projects Please note that Bellwether Housing does not manage these properties. To get in touch with a building manager, contact the client directly. Bellwether cannot connect you to these buildings or their residents. Woodland TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Downtown Emergency Service Center OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 95 2026 Fremont Bloomside TYPE CLIENT DESC OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 100 2024 Burien Burbridge Place TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Downtown Emergency Service Center OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 124 2023 Green Lake The Landing TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Family Support Center of South Sound OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 62 2023 West Olympia The North Star TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Downtown Emergency Service Center OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 100 2022 Bitter Lake Aspen Terrace TYPE Housing for individuals formerly incarcerated and/or homeless CLIENT Pioneer Human Services OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 90 2020 Capitol Hill Valhalla Court TYPE Affordable Housing CLIENT Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 26 2018 Hilltop, Tacoma The Estelle TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Downtown Emergency Service Center OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 91 2018 Columbia City $23,966,563 Estelle will serve people with disabilities and mental illness recovering from homelessness. DESC Estelle will pioneer an innovative partnership with Harborview Medical Center to connect chronically homeless residents with high-quality on-site healthcare services. Additionally, fifteen units will be reserved for people exiting the hospital with healthcare needs that can�t be served in conventional residential care systems. Providence John Gabriel House TYPE Affordable Housing for Seniors CLIENT Providence Health and Services OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 75 2016 Redmond Bellwether teamed up with Shelter Resources Inc., Dawson Construction and SAGE Architectural Alliance to represent owner Providence Health and Services in building a new 75-unit apartment complex for senior citizens in the downtown Redmond area. Nueva Vista Apartments TYPE Affordable Housing CLIENT Kennewick Housing Authority OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 32 2015 Kennewick A 32 unit project of the Kennewick Housing Authority that will serve extremely low-income families in the Tri-Cities Area. Construction began in the fourth quarter of 2014. Sunnyview Village TYPE Affordable Housing CLIENT Housing Authority of Island County OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 24 2015 Freeland $5,992,000 Financing and new construction of a 24-unit townhome community for low-income families in Freeland, WA on Whidbey Island. Housing clustered around a central courtyard to maintain an appropriate buffer to nearby wetlands. Mason County Shelter and Shelton Creek Apartments TYPE Affordable Housing CLIENT Mason County Shelter OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 15 2015 Shelton Worked with Mason County Shelter to acquire funding to build a seven-unit homeless family shelter with an eight-unit rental apartment building for low-income families. Conceived of new construction to replace existing shelter and housing away from Shelton Creek, which periodically floods necessitating temporary relocation of residents. Argonaut II TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Plymouth Healing Communities OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 6 2014 Central District $1,600,000 The Argonaut II is an addition of 6 units to an existing HUD-subsidized project which serves homeless, chronically mentally ill clients through Plymouth Healing Communities supportive services program. The program operates in conjunction with mental health providers to help place individuals, who would otherwise be discharged from medical facilities back onto the streets, into permanent homes. Caroline W. Apartments TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Community House Mental Health Agency OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 44 2014 Capitol Hill $9,273,073 Construction of 44 apartments including common space and roof deck for low-income individuals with chronic mental illness. Everyone Deserves to be Safe TYPE Emergency Shelter and Service Center CLIENT Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 52 2013 Snohomish County Developer on 52-bed emergency shelter and service center for a private, nonprofit organization serving Snohomish County. Claremont Apartments TYPE Affordable Housing CLIENT Southeast Effective Development (SEED) OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 68 2011 Rainier Valley New construction of two buildings on two parcels owned by SEED, one of which was the site of former Chubby Tubby retail store. After demolishing the Chubby Tubby store, two parcels were developed as four buildings�three small townhomes and one 68-unit mixed-use development with structured parking and ground-floor commercial retail space. Brettler Family Place TYPE Affordable Housing CLIENT Solid Ground OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 52 2011 Sand Point $13,600,000 Assisted nonprofit Solid Ground with transformation of Sand Point Naval Station into durable, affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless families. Challenges included integrating the former naval base's utility system into the city's systems and complying with extensive historic building restrictions. Community facilities and onsite services. Canaday House TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Downtown Emergency Service Center OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 83 2010 Cascade $16,600,000 New construction of 83 studio units of housing for chronically homeless men and women. Bellwether provided development finance consulting to the owner and manager, Downtown Emergency Service Center. KWA Senior City Apartments TYPE Affordable Housing for Seniors CLIENT Korean Women's Association and Senior City Limited Partnership OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 62 2010 Federal Way $17,200,000 Senior City Apartments is a mixed use, Transit Oriented Development (TOD) combining 62 units for low-income and disabled seniors with a 3,000-square-foot community facility. The development was built on surplus land left from the creation of the adjacent Federal Way Transit Center, a 24-hour public transit hub with a 1,000-space parking garage. The project has the distinction of being the first TOD project on Sound Transit-acquired property. Common Ground secured over $17 million in permanent capital funding and over $9 million in construction financing by combining a federal Section 202 capital advance with 4% low-income housing tax credits and by using bond financing during construction. When the project was completed in 2010, on-time and on-budget, there was no permanent debt. Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Catholic Housing Authority OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 26 2009 West Seattle $7,000,000 New construction of 26 two- and three-bedroom units with services for formerly homeless families. Bellwether provided development services for Archdiocese Housing Authority, which owns and manages the building. Ozanam House TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Catholic Housing Authority OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 56 2009 First Hill $11,000,000 New construction of 56 efficiency units for homeless senior men. Bellwether provided development services for Archdiocese Housing Authority, which owns and manages the building. Kenyon House TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Sound Mental Health OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 18 2008 Rainier Valley $4,500,000 New construction of 18 studio apartments for people living with HIV/AIDS and/or chronic mental illness. Bellwether provided development services to Sound Mental Health, which owns and manages the building. Urban League Apartments at Colman School and Northwest African American Museum TYPE Affordable Housing CLIENT Urban League OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 36 2007 North Rainier $20,700,000 Rehabilitation/reuse of the historic Colman School into 36 units of housing for low income households over museum space. Bellwether provided development services for the Urban League, which owns and manages the residential portion of the building. Morrison Hotel TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing and Emergency Shelter CLIENT Downtown Emergency Service Center OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 190 2005 Pioneer Square $26,500,000 Substantial renovation and historic preservation of 190 studios, 100 bed shelter and 11,000 sq ft of commercial space. Bellwether provided development services for Downtown Emergency Service Center, which owns and manages the building. YWCA Opportunity Place TYPE CLIENT YWCA OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 145 2003 Belltown $29,900,000 New construction of 145 studio & one-bedroom units, and three floors of administrative, educational, case management and commercial space. Bellwether provided financial consulting services for the YWCA, which owns and manages the building. Admiral Housing TYPE Permanent Supportive Housing CLIENT Harborview Medical Health Services OPEN UNITS NEIGHBORHOOD COST 15 2000 Admiral, West Seattle $1,600,000 New construction of 15 studio units of housing for chronically mentally ill homeless adults for Harborview Mental Health Services.

Centering Residents Equitable Housing BIPOC Partnerships Equitable Employer The Data Anti-Racism Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Our Commitment to Anti-Racism Since 2016, Bellwether has been bringing racial justice to the forefront of our work. Our equity work has included four broad initiatives: 1. Becoming an equitable employer 2. Supporting and partnering with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) leaders, organizations, and businesses 3. Centering our residents 4. Equitable housing development. A primary element of all these initiatives has been our employee Equity Committee , which was formed in 2016 to lead on some of these initiatives, provide perspective to the leadership team and others, and challenge Bellwether’s existing approaches to each of these things. Members of this committee represent all levels, all departments, and many racial backgrounds within the organization. Anti-Racism Equitable Employer Our Equity Committee has called Bellwether to put significant attention to making sure that our employees, particularly our BIPOC employees, have access to opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization. Education, training, and opportunities for advancement Several years ago, Bellwether established an educational advancement fund that gives employees seeking training or certification for a higher-level position within Bellwether up to $1,500 toward the cost of that training. This is in addition to a $2,000 annual training budget per employee to pay for the cost of any training or education to serve them in their current position. We created a formal compensation philosophy and transparent pay scale, showing the pay ranges for all jobs. We analyzed our compensation practices and fixed pay disparities that reflected racial or gender bias. We stopped asking for and using pay history as the basis for salary offers. We re-evaluated job requirements to eliminate education or experience requirements that were unnecessary barriers for historically marginalized populations. We changed our retirement profit-sharing program, which occurs in years when the organization has an excess of cash flow, from one that was paid out as a percentage of income to one that is equal for all employees, regardless of pay, removing a practice that exacerbated pay disparity within the organization. When the COVID-19 pandemic required front-line workers to be onsite, a majority of whom are BIPOC, we were the first housing organization in Seattle to enact an ongoing daily equity stipend to compensate them. We aggressively invest in benefits for our employees, giving employees at all levels access to great health care benefits and making significant contributions to employee retirement funds. Equitable pay and benefits Bellwether created a staff-driven Equity Committee in 2016. The Equity Committee is made up of employees from many functions within the organization, and its purposes are to: Hold Bellwether leaders accountable to our equity pillars (listed below) Partner with Bellwether’s leadership in building a diverse, inclusive, fair and equitable workplace Enhance employee understanding of Bellwether’s equity commitment and work Serve as a conduit for employees at all levels of the organization to have input into and influence over that work Bellwether’s equity pillars are: Create and operate our housing in a manner that dignifies our residents and gives them access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive Center our residents in everything we do Build a diverse workforce, provide equitable compensation and internal policies, create equitable opportunities for professional development and advancement and promote a workplace culture that respects and celebrates all identities Support and partner with organizations and businesses lead by and/or serving Black, Indigenous and People of Color, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community Equity Committee Equitable Employer Supporting & Partnering with BIPOC Community Leaders, Organizations & Businesses Partnerships Bellwether has built important, new partnerships with BIPOC organizations to build the capacity of those organizations, better serve our residents and communities, and learn new ways to approach our own work. We have raised money to construct two childcare facilities operated by BIPOC organizations (El Centro de la Raza and Empowering Youth and Families Outreach) that serve lower-income children and focus on BIPOC families. We are working with Muslim Housing Services to build their new headquarters and program space in our new Flourish on Rainier development. This partnership is structured to allow MHS to become the owner of this space in 15 years. And we have entered into a joint venture with the Chief Seattle Club to build 200 units of affordable housing prioritized for lower income Native American families and a longhouse to honor Native education and cultural practices, all on the campus of the North Seattle College. Procurement Bellwether strives to hire BIPOC retailers, restaurants, suppliers, and contractors whenever possible. We are working with general contractors to get at least 15% WMBE sub-contractors on every job site. On this project, we aim to achieve 20% WMBE contractors. In 2022, we will hire a full-time procurement specialist who will help us focus on BIPOC suppliers for our building, office, and maintenance supplies. Board Membership Our board members have experience in affordable housing, law, public relations, business management, real estate (including real estate-related services such as property management, development, and finance), and the tech sector. Our board members value lived experience: one board member has experienced homelessness, one board member lived in affordable housing, and another has experience as an immigrant. Currently, Bellwether's 15-member board is 60% women and 34% people of color. Every member of the board has demonstrated a commitment to furthering the mission of affordable housing. Three of our board members' professional careers have been devoted to developing multifamily housing in urban markets. Three members bring professional experience in affordable housing. BIPOC Partnerships Centering Residents At its core, our work is rooted in race and social justice. Nearly 60% of our residents identify as BIPOC. The average income of a Bellwether household is less than 40% of the area median income. One of the pillars of our strategic plan is ensuring that our residents receive the customer service and support they need to thrive in our housing and that they are involved in informing our policies, practices, and developments. We have also worked to rid our organization of unnecessary barriers to housing that perpetuate institutional injustices. Lowering barriers to housing Over the past several years, Bellwether has been making significant changes in its leasing policies and processes to make our housing accessible to as many households as possible. We have changed everything from how we look at criminal backgrounds and debt owed to past landlords to unnecessary or redundant documentation requirements that have historically permeated our sector. Lowering barriers to housing has allowed us to serve more households coming out of homelessness, families and individuals connected with the criminal justice system and other households excluded by typical landlord screening criteria, all of whom are disproportionately BIPOC. We work closely with organizations such as the Housing Connector, LEAD/Reach, King County Vets, Muslim Housing Services and Mary’s Place to successfully house these residents. Today, nearly 30% of new households come out of homelessness or the criminal justice system. Increasing our resident services team As Bellwether has grown, lowered barriers to housing and served more complex populations, the need for our resident services program has increased. This program receives minimal public funding support, yet our resident service coordinators are critical to ensuring residents are stable, children and their families have the support they need to thrive, and our elders and disabled residents have the supports they need to stay healthy and age in place. Bellwether has committed to expanding its fund development capacity so we can expand our resident services program. Centering Residents Equitable Housing Development Prevent Displacement Bellwether launched an aggressive initiative to acquire at least 850 homes in South King County. Bellwether is targeting neighborhoods and buildings that are predominantly occupied by families of color and are highly vulnerable to large rent increases in the coming years, as transit and gentrification arrives in these southern suburbs. Build in Neighborhoods of Opportunity Since 2016, Bellwether has targeted new development in neighborhoods that have incredible access to transit, public services such as libraries, parks and good schools, and allow for strong ties to community supports such as YMCA’s, Boys & Girls Clubs, community centers, health care facilities and food banks. We have developed or are developing in Queen Anne, Roosevelt, the University District, First Hill, Bitterlake and Rainier Beach. House Families While Bellwether’s resident population overall is a majority BIPOC, our larger households with children are nearly 80% families of color. And low-income families have fewer housing options than any other population in Seattle. Since 2016, Bellwether has prioritized the development of 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units to create as many options as possible for low-income families. Although these units are more challenging to develop and operate, Bellwether believes it is imperative that our community be a place in which lower income families – particularly BIPOC families - can thrive. Nearly 40% of the units we currently have under development are family-sized units. Engage Communities Over the past several years, Bellwether has significantly increased its community engagement activities – both as a new developer entering a community and as an operator of housing once we have become part of a neighborhood. We engage with neighbors, non-profit organizations, churches, schools and businesses that represent neighborhood interests. We invite these community members to understand our mission and inform our plans. We ask them to hold us accountable as a good neighbor. And we engage them as supports for our current and future residents. Equitable Housing 2022 Racial Diversity at Bellwether Housing Group Black Asian Hispanic Native American Pacific Islander / Native Hawaiian White Multiracial Other Not Disclosed Leadership Team 11% 11% 11% 55% 11% Board 17% 11% 72% People Leaders 16% 11% 3% 0% 1% 60% 6% 3% Staff 39% 6% 1% 1% 1% 35% 12% 5% Residents 29% 11% 8% 1% 1% 31% 5% 1% 13% King County 2010 6% 15% 9% 1% 69% 5% 4% N/A King County 2019* 7% 21% 10% 1% 66% 5% N/A N/A 2022 Gender Diversity at Bellwether Housing Group Women Men Nonbinary Leadership Team 66% 44% 0% Board 50% 50% 0% People Leaders 51% 49% 0% Staff 53% 47% 0% Residents 55% 45% N/A King County 2010 50% 50% N/A King County 2019* 50% 50% N/A About the Data Bellwether Groups Board of Directors data is self-reported by board members as of December 2022. Leadership Team data is self-reported and updated as of December 2022. People Leaders includes our Leadership team, as well as staff in management positions. It is self-reported by staff and current as of December 2022. Bellwether staff includes all staff, including People Leaders. Self reported by staff and current as of December 2022. Bellwether resident data is from our 2019 Annual Resident Survey. King County Data Sources King County 2019 data is from a 2019 Census Estimate from Census.Gov. The most recent full census data is from 2010, available at KingCounty.gov. Data Notes All percentages have been rounded to the nearest 1%. Totals may add up to more than 100% to reflect when multiple categories were selected. N/A = not asked by that data source / survey. The Data