Habitat for Humanity debuts new homes in Seattle for first time in 8 years

SEATTLE — For the first time since 2013, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County has debuted new affordable homes within Seattle city limits, as real estate prices continue to climb.

Eight families were given the keys to brand-new condos in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood Saturday, as Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County dedicated new homes for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.

The eight homes mark the completion of Phase 1 of the eco-friendly Seattle-based housing project, which features two four-unit row houses.

The units include a one car garage, four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and are approximately 1,430 square feet. The units are also energy efficient and come with brand new appliances (including an in-unit washer/dryer) and air conditioning.

Phase 2 will include another set of two four-unit row houses and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2022 — ultimately, giving 16 low-income families the opportunity to own property at a rate they can afford.

“For us, we talk about home ownership as it’s more than just shelter, it’s that access to gaining equity and gaining wealth for the next generation,” said Brett D’Antonio, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County.

“We make sure that the mortgage is tailor-fitted to their income level, so they know that they’ll always be able to make a housing payment,” D’Antonio continued.

The complex is the first project Habitat for Humanity has completed in the city of Seattle since 2013.

D’Antonio said a lack of affordable housing has pushed new developments outside city limits to other, more affordable places within King County.

However, they were able to acquire this property through a partnership with Seattle Housing Authority.

“When we talk to [the new owners] they’re happy to be able to live near where they work instead of commuting from an hour and a half outside the city, they’re happy that it’s affordable and they’re happy that it’s a place for their family to really set up roots in a neighborhood and become a member of the community,” D’Antonio continued.

Seven families took part in the dedication ceremony, where they received the keys to their new homes and cut a red ribbon attached to each unit’s garage.

“You excited?” a man asked as he stood near one of the ribbons.

“Of course, this is a dream come true,” Hussein Ibrahim smiled as he held a pair of gold scissors.

Hussein Ibrahim is one of the new owners.

Hussein came to the United States from Africa 20-years ago, went to school and got a job as a sterile medical processor at Kaiser Permanente — he has held that job for ten years.

He is also the sole earner in his family and has a wife, and five children — two of his kids are in college, one is in high school and the two others are just six and four years old.

“Even though I have a job and it’s a reasonable salary it’s hard,” said Ibrahim. “I’m the only income, my wife doesn’t work, it’s hard to afford in Seattle, to buy a house, you know, it’s very expensive unless you move on further away from Seattle.”

His new home will be placed into a land trust that ensures permanent affordability for future generations, so he can pass the home along to his kids.

“Just to be able to have your own house, to have the children in a stable place, you know, we don’t have to move on from rent-to-rent so this is the most exciting for me,” Ibrahim said.

The remaining eight units will be completed in 2022.

According to Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County, the completion of this first phase also kicks off seven other projects which will be finished in the next 12 to 16 months, adding about 70 more new housing units.

©2021 Cox Media Group