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- The Genesee | Bellwether Housing
Affordable Housing in Rainier Valley / The Genesee: Nestled in the heart of Rainier Valley, The Genesee offers spacious homes near Columbia City, shopping, the library, community centers, schools, light rail, and bus routes. Select Language NOW LEASING!! < All < Previous Select Next > The Genesee 4425 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA 4425 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA Select Future Building View Availability June 2022 Applications will NOT be accepted yet (no waitlist) Email us Contact us Contact info: (206) 725-1708 SDCI# Apartments 50 Homes Rainier Valley Close Bellwether Greenwood Kingway Redevelopment Phase 1 Prisma Sunbreak Thunderbird Nest The Aries at Bitter Lake Anchor Flats Annapolis Arbora Court Bellevue Olive Cambridge Apartments Casa Pacifica Cascade Court Cedar Crossing Eagles Apartments First and Vine Apartments Flourish on Rainier Gilmore Apartments Graham / Terry Judkins Park Apartments Juneau Townhomes Kingway Marina Club Mary's Boat House Mercer Court Meridian Manor Apartments Olive Tower Oregon Apartments Pardee Townhomes Renton Sage Rose Street Apartments Sortun Court Sterling Court Stewart Court Apartments Stone Way Apartments Sunrise Tower Tate Mason House The BLVD The Confluence The Genesee The Parker Apartments The Rise on Madison Views at Madison Vine Court Apartments MAP LOADING ... Map [Never Expand]Floorplans No floorplans are available for this building. [Never Expand]Transit Routes Nearby View nearby transit [Never Expand] to learn more about this project? You can find more information at the city website. City Services Portal Close SEND FEEDBACK First Name Last Name Email Message Property Send us your feedback View project schedule Feedback If you would like to provide input to us about this project, use the form below. Project Milestones Printables / Downloads Community Surveys and Outreach While we are designing the building, we are accepting input from the community about how to best serve the neighborhood. Select your language to add your input: Learn more -OR- Select Language About The Genesee Nestled in the heart of Rainier Valley, The Genesee offers spacious homes near Columbia City, shopping, the library, community centers, schools, light rail, and bus routes. About Rainier Valley Rainier Valley THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS IN THIS PROJECT The Genesee Find other available housing View Availability < All < Previous property Next property > Established: 2006 Neighborhood: Rainier Valley Apartments: 50 Types of Units: Incomes Served: Populations Served: Commercial Space Sq. Ft.: Community Space: Features: Services: Property Managed By: Bellwether FUNDERS & PARTNERS: Design: Construction: Lead Team Members: Developers/Owners: Bellwether Housing Community Partners: Funding Sources: Total Project Cost: Community Surveys and Translations: Request Maintenance |
- Resident Services | Bellwether Housing
All Housing Real Estate Development Property Management Resident Services Resident Grievances Resident Services Our Resident Services Program is a team of devoted staff members who work with residents to find the resources and services they need to thrive. The Resident Services program is free and confidential for all Bellwether Housing residents. We are here to help. Our apartments are a strong foundation for our residents to grow, stabilize, rebuild, and thrive, and often residents need additional benefits and services to be stable, healthy, and thriving. By coupling housing with services, residents have stable homes and additional support in solving problems and achieving their goals. Our program secured $3.65 million in rent relief for residents who lost income due to COVID-19. We delivered over 10,000 meals to residents with barriers to access healthy food during the pandemic. We hired three women-owned catering businesses that had lost business during the pandemic to work on these efforts. Contact Us Our Resident Services Coordinators are friendly, supportive people that can help you navigate challenges and build community. Send an email We continue to focus on COVID relief and recovery for residents, particularly through our Work Force Initiative (WF) . The WF Initiative assists residents getting back into the work force by helping with resume writing, interview prep, and finding job training programs. We have partnered with Seattle Public Libraries, who are providing resources for self-employment and starting small businesses. And, we are working with local community colleges and training centers for residents who wanted to pursue career trainings and certificates. Other recovery initiatives include finding continued rental assistance as tenant protections are phased out, providing summer educational opportunities for youth in collaboration with Seattle Public Schools and working with a range of service providers to ensure marginally housed and homeless households can access housing and be successful after moving in. SHOW MORE Service We Provide Answer Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security questions Get DSHS services Find childcare Get renter’s insurance Access low-cost, healthy food or meal delivery Sign up for low-cost transportation Sign up for unemployment and disability benefits Get low-cost internet Get a free or low-cost cell phone Find English as a Second Language Classes Sign up for rental assistance Assist with financial planning Find low cost health care Access mental health services Find addiction-treatment services Help you find to legal services Advocate on your behalf Connect you to community resources
- Advocate | Bellwether Housing
Support Us Closer to Home Donate Advocate Sponsor Us Funders & Sponsors Home Support Us Advocate Advocate for Affordable Housing Bellwether has collaborated with state officials and other housing and service providers to increase future opportunities for affordable apartments. See below for ways that you can help to advocate with us for better laws and policies for affordable housing. Our Upcoming Advocacy Priorities Mobilize support for the renewal of the Seattle Housing Levy in 2023. Pass an Eastside Housing Levy in 2022, creating a new fund. Mobilize for a transformational 2023 Comprehensive Plan in City of Seattle so apartments can be built in all neighborhoods served by frequent transit. Pass the federal Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2021 . This bipartisan bill would dramatically increase federal support for developing new affordable housing. Increase State funding of the Housing Trust Fund and establish a permanent funding source for it. Our Advocacy Agenda Expand resources for housing at the local, state, and federal level. Increase housing density so more homes can be built near transit and in high opportunity neighborhoods in urban King County. Lower development and ownership costs to speed housing development and decrease operating costs. Preserve and expand other supports for the most vulnerable people in our communities, such as rental assistance, emergency eviction moratoriums, vouchers, and other service programs. Improve long term sustainability of our work and the work of other nonprofit housing and human service organizations Housing Policy Wins Housing Policy Wins 2021 City of Seattle Allocated $49.2M from the American Rescue Plan funds for housing and homelessness services. This included $1M to support resident services in non-permanent supportive housing. Rezoned properties owned by faith-based organizations. Allows for extra height and density in return for homes for households with incomes under 60% AMI (Annual Median Income). Renamed “single-family zoning” to “neighborhood residential zoning,” in advance of major rezoning in the 2023 Comprehensive Plan. King County Acquired over 850 homes for chronically homeless people through the Health Through Housing 0.1% sales tax. Another 750 homes will be purchased. State of Washington Legislature Allocated $175M for the Housing Trust Fund . Allocated $120M for Shelter Rapid Acquisition ; a new fund to acquire hotels, motels, and multifamily housing for use as emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing. Amended the housing element of the Growth Management Act . This sets the stage for major Comprehensive Plan updates by cities and counties in 2023 (HB 1220). Funded $42M in grants for utility connections for affordable housing developments. Focuses on rural and suburban areas with limited existing utility infrastructure. Enacted a $100 document recording fee. This funds $280M in rental assistance and operations for permanent supportive housing. Funded housing through the operating budget at a historic level: $130M for Housing and Essential Needs $187M for foreclosure prevention; $37M for operations, maintenance, and services for permanent supportive housing; $20M for long-term vouchers for people with behavioral health or substance abuse disorders. Passed a bill to create a soft landing for the eviction moratorium (SB 5160). This creates a legal right to counsel for tenants facing eviction, requires payment plans for past due rent, and extends some emergency pandemic protections. Federal The federal government allocated $21.5 billion for rental assistance through the American Rescue Plan Act, helping low-income renters stay in their homes. 2020 Local Seattle passed the JumpStart payroll tax, which will raise over $214 million per year, mostly for affordable housing at 0-50% Area Median Income. King County passed the Health Through Housing 0.1% sales tax, which will generate $60 million per year to provide housing for up to 2,000 chronically homeless people. State Housing Trust Fund was funded at a historically high level. Affordable housing and homelessness resources included in the final budgets totaled $174 million. SHB 1590 passed, providing cities and counties the ability to implement the local sales and use tax for affordable housing councilmanically (see Health Through Housing above). SHB 2343 passed, expanding the list of planning actions that cities are encouraged to take to increase residential building capacity. SHB 2384 passed, expanding the property tax exemption for affordable housing providers. $5 million allocated for the Housing Needs Pilot Program to provide rent assistance to elderly or disabled adults on Supplemental Security Income Federal CARES Act funded $100 billion in rental assistance. December 2020 COVID relief omnibus funded an additional $25 billion for rental assistance, to be disbursed in 2021. Established a minimum 4% rate for the 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit at 4% (has ranged between 3% and 3.3% since 2012), effectively expanding tax credit equity by one-third. How you can get involved
- Oregon Apartments | Bellwether Housing
Affordable Housing in Belltown / Oregon Apartments: The Oregon Apartments is located in Belltown, near Pike Place Market, the waterfront, downtown, and regional transit. Many of the bright, light-filled homes have views of Puget Sound, while others have lofts. Select Language NOW LEASING!! < All < Previous Select Next > Oregon Apartments 2305 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA 2305 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA Select Future Building View Availability June 2022 Applications will NOT be accepted yet (no waitlist) Email us Contact us Contact info: (206) 441-6335 SDCI# Apartments 83 Homes Belltown Close Bellwether Greenwood Kingway Redevelopment Phase 1 Prisma Sunbreak Thunderbird Nest The Aries at Bitter Lake Anchor Flats Annapolis Arbora Court Bellevue Olive Cambridge Apartments Casa Pacifica Cascade Court Cedar Crossing Eagles Apartments First and Vine Apartments Flourish on Rainier Gilmore Apartments Graham / Terry Judkins Park Apartments Juneau Townhomes Kingway Marina Club Mary's Boat House Mercer Court Meridian Manor Apartments Olive Tower Oregon Apartments Pardee Townhomes Renton Sage Rose Street Apartments Sortun Court Sterling Court Stewart Court Apartments Stone Way Apartments Sunrise Tower Tate Mason House The BLVD The Confluence The Genesee The Parker Apartments The Rise on Madison Views at Madison Vine Court Apartments MAP LOADING ... Map [Never Expand]Floorplans No floorplans are available for this building. [Never Expand]Transit Routes Nearby View nearby transit [Never Expand] to learn more about this project? You can find more information at the city website. City Services Portal Close SEND FEEDBACK First Name Last Name Email Message Property Send us your feedback View project schedule Feedback If you would like to provide input to us about this project, use the form below. Project Milestones Printables / Downloads Community Surveys and Outreach While we are designing the building, we are accepting input from the community about how to best serve the neighborhood. Select your language to add your input: Learn more -OR- Select Language About Oregon Apartments The Oregon Apartments is located in Belltown, near Pike Place Market, the waterfront, downtown, and regional transit. Many of the bright, light-filled homes have views of Puget Sound, while others have lofts. About Belltown Belltown THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS IN THIS PROJECT Oregon Apartments Find other available housing View Availability < All < Previous property Next property > Established: 1990 Neighborhood: Belltown Apartments: 83 Types of Units: Incomes Served: Populations Served: Commercial Space Sq. Ft.: Community Space: Features: Services: Property Managed By: Bellwether FUNDERS & PARTNERS: Design: Construction: Lead Team Members: Developers/Owners: Bellwether Housing Community Partners: Funding Sources: Total Project Cost: Community Surveys and Translations: Request Maintenance |
- Annapolis | Bellwether Housing
Affordable Housing in Capitol Hill / Annapolis: A brick building, the Annapolis features welcoming homes near Seattle Central College, shopping, parks, public transit, and a cat cafe downstairs! Select Language NOW LEASING!! < All < Previous Select Next > Annapolis 1531 Belmont Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA 1531 Belmont Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA Select Future Building View Availability June 2022 Applications will NOT be accepted yet (no waitlist) Email us Contact us Contact info: (206) 396-9388 SDCI# Apartments 23 Homes Capitol Hill Close Bellwether Greenwood Kingway Redevelopment Phase 1 Prisma Sunbreak Thunderbird Nest The Aries at Bitter Lake Anchor Flats Annapolis Arbora Court Bellevue Olive Cambridge Apartments Casa Pacifica Cascade Court Cedar Crossing Eagles Apartments First and Vine Apartments Flourish on Rainier Gilmore Apartments Graham / Terry Judkins Park Apartments Juneau Townhomes Kingway Marina Club Mary's Boat House Mercer Court Meridian Manor Apartments Olive Tower Oregon Apartments Pardee Townhomes Renton Sage Rose Street Apartments Sortun Court Sterling Court Stewart Court Apartments Stone Way Apartments Sunrise Tower Tate Mason House The BLVD The Confluence The Genesee The Parker Apartments The Rise on Madison Views at Madison Vine Court Apartments MAP LOADING ... Map [Never Expand]Floorplans No floorplans are available for this building. [Never Expand]Transit Routes Nearby View nearby transit routes on Seattle Transit Route Planner View nearby transit [Never Expand] to learn more about this project? You can find more information at the city website. City Services Portal Close SEND FEEDBACK First Name Last Name Email Message Property Send us your feedback View project schedule Feedback If you would like to provide input to us about this project, use the form below. Project Milestones Printables / Downloads Community Surveys and Outreach While we are designing the building, we are accepting input from the community about how to best serve the neighborhood. Select your language to add your input: Learn more -OR- Select Language About Annapolis A brick building, the Annapolis features welcoming homes near Seattle Central College, shopping, parks, public transit, and a cat cafe downstairs! About Capitol Hill Capitol Hill THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS IN THIS PROJECT Annapolis Find other available housing View Availability < All < Previous property Next property > Established: 1987 Neighborhood: Capitol Hill Apartments: 23 Types of Units: Incomes Served: Populations Served: Commercial Space Sq. Ft.: Community Space: Features: Services: Property Managed By: Bellwether FUNDERS & PARTNERS: Design: Construction: Lead Team Members: Developers/Owners: Bellwether Housing Community Partners: Funding Sources: Total Project Cost: Community Surveys and Translations: Request Maintenance |
- E-Newsletter | Bellwether Housing
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- Funders And Sponsors | Bellwether Housing
Support Us Closer to Home Donate Advocate Sponsor Us Funders & Sponsors Major Donors Construction Partners Operations Funding Partners Development Partners Sustaining Partners Funders & Sponsors We deeply appreciate the individual, foundation, corporate, and public funders who support Bellwether through donations, grants, and sponsorships. Major Donors Operations Funding Partners Construction Partners OPERATING SUPPORT IS GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY: PARTNERS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND PLANNING: OPERATIONS FUNDING PARTNERS: City of Seattle Office of Housing DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS: Mercy Housing Plymouth Housing SUSTAINING PARTNERS: View our sponsors from specific fundraising events Learn more about sponsorship Bellwether Housing is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Tax ID 91-1116960 Sustaining Partners Development Partners Thank You
- Closer to Home Fundraiser | Bellwether Housing
Bellwether's Annual Closer to Home Benefit will feature a keynote address Top of Page Home Support Us Closer to Home Closer to Home: Our Annual Fundraiser Please check our Support page for information on our fundraising luncheon this year.
- Advocating for Affordable Housing | bellwetherhousing
< Back Previous Next Services Advocating for Affordable Housing We are glad that you found housing at Bellwether. You likely know firsthand how challenging it can be to find an affordable place to live in Seattle. Bellwether Housing is responding to the need for affordable housing by adding 2500 new apartments to our portfolio by 2025, including three buildings currently under construction. We are focusing on building many 2- and 3-bedroom apartments for larger families. We invite you to share how affordable housing has had an impact on your life! Your story is powerful. By sharing your experience, you are showing our supporters and community why housing matters. If you would like to get updates about Bellwether’s work, you can sign up for our newsletter at bellwetherhousing.org . If you would like to help us advocate for affordable housing, email marketing@bellwetherhousing.org for more information. We’d love to talk with you! You can see examples of our advocacy work on social media: Instagram: @Bellwether_Housing Facebook: Bellwether Housing Twitter: @BW_Housing Youtube: Bellwether Housing Previous Next
- The Parker Apartments | Bellwether Housing
Affordable Housing in Queen Anne / The Parker Apartments: The Parker offers recently remodeled homes in Upper Queen Anne. Across the street from a large park, on two bus lines, and within walking distance to the Queen Anne business district, public library, schools, shopping, and grocery stores. Easy access to Fremont, South Lake Union and downtown Seattle. Select Language NOW LEASING!! < All < Previous Select Next > The Parker Apartments 2701 3rd Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA 2701 3rd Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA Select Future Building View Availability June 2022 Applications will NOT be accepted yet (no waitlist) Email us Contact us Contact info: (206) 588-4818 SDCI# Apartments 50 Homes Queen Anne Close Bellwether Greenwood Kingway Redevelopment Phase 1 Prisma Sunbreak Thunderbird Nest The Aries at Bitter Lake Anchor Flats Annapolis Arbora Court Bellevue Olive Cambridge Apartments Casa Pacifica Cascade Court Cedar Crossing Eagles Apartments First and Vine Apartments Flourish on Rainier Gilmore Apartments Graham / Terry Judkins Park Apartments Juneau Townhomes Kingway Marina Club Mary's Boat House Mercer Court Meridian Manor Apartments Olive Tower Oregon Apartments Pardee Townhomes Renton Sage Rose Street Apartments Sortun Court Sterling Court Stewart Court Apartments Stone Way Apartments Sunrise Tower Tate Mason House The BLVD The Confluence The Genesee The Parker Apartments The Rise on Madison Views at Madison Vine Court Apartments MAP LOADING ... Map [Never Expand]Floorplans No floorplans are available for this building. [Never Expand]Transit Routes Nearby View nearby transit [Never Expand] to learn more about this project? You can find more information at the city website. City Services Portal Close SEND FEEDBACK First Name Last Name Email Message Property Send us your feedback View project schedule Feedback If you would like to provide input to us about this project, use the form below. Project Milestones Printables / Downloads Community Surveys and Outreach While we are designing the building, we are accepting input from the community about how to best serve the neighborhood. Select your language to add your input: Learn more -OR- Select Language About The Parker Apartments The Parker offers recently remodeled homes in Upper Queen Anne. Across the street from a large park, on two bus lines, and within walking distance to the Queen Anne business district, public library, schools, shopping, and grocery stores. Easy access to Fremont, South Lake Union and downtown Seattle. About Queen Anne Queen Anne THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS IN THIS PROJECT The Parker Apartments Find other available housing View Availability < All < Previous property Next property > Established: 2015 Neighborhood: Queen Anne Apartments: 50 Types of Units: Incomes Served: Populations Served: Commercial Space Sq. Ft.: Community Space: Features: Services: Property Managed By: Bellwether FUNDERS & PARTNERS: Design: Construction: Lead Team Members: Developers/Owners: Bellwether Housing Community Partners: Funding Sources: Total Project Cost: Community Surveys and Translations: Request Maintenance |
- Capital Campaigns | Bellwether Housing
Home Support Us Capital Campaigns Capital Campaigns We run capital campaigns to support specific projects, if we need to purchase buildings or land for a new housing development due to growing population. Our last campaign was driving the production of 750 new homes . When you give to a campaign, you directly help the completion of specific projects. "How is this different than making a donation anytime," you ask? When you click on "Donate", the funds support our resident services for existing housing and our day-to-day operations. Closer to Home Fundraiser We are not running any capital campaigns, currently. Past campaigns Contact Us Megan Mayes , Director of External Engagement Send an email Text about this campaign Details
- Equity & Inclusion | Bellwether Housing
About Us People Our Residents Strategic Plan Equity & Inclusion Funding BIPOC Partnerships Centering Residents Equitable Housing 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
