Statement For
VOTE YES TO ADDRESS SEATTLE'S AFFORDABILITY CRISIS
Seattle is a great city, but housing affordability is a serious issue. As we grow, we must continue building and protecting affordable housing options.
The new seven-year Seattle housing levy, replacing and expanding the expiring housing levy, is a proven broad-based response that helps working FAMILIES, YOUNG PEOPLE and SENIORS to remain in the city. It also provides supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, safe housing for victims of domestic violence and their children, and emergency rental assistance to keep families from losing their homes.
A TRACK RECORD OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Since 1981, Seattle voters have passed affordable housing levies that helped to produce and preserve thousands of units for community members in need. Seattle has now funded more than 12,500 affordable apartments for SENIORS, low-wage WORKERS, and neighbors who are living with a DISABILITY or transitioning out of HOMELESSNESS. This $290 million levy will fund at least 2,150 additional apartments that will be kept affordable for 50 years or more, while providing emergency rental assistance to prevent homelessness for 4,500 families.
HELPING THE MOST VULNERABLE
Too many in Seattle do not have a stable home, or are just one unexpected emergency away from homelessness. Nearly 3,000 Seattle Schools students are experiencing homelessness. Children experiencing homelessness are 87% more likely to drop out of school.
This levy dedicates substantial funding to housing for LOW INCOME FAMILIES, providing kids with stable homes while also providing assistance to community members experiencing homelessness seeking permanent supportive housing.
A MODEST COST
Proposition 1 will cost the owner of a typical $480,000 home $122 a year - just $5 more per month over the expiring levy. Seattle is becoming unaffordable for hospital workers, preschool teachers, seniors, and people on fixed incomes. $5 more per month is a small price to pay for a huge return on investment for our community.
Let's make Seattle a city where affordable homes are available to all! Join Mayor Murray, all nine council members, and respected housing and homeless services leaders in supporting PROPOSITION 1 on August 2!
Supported by: Housing Development Consortium, Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness, the Greater Church Council, Tenants Union of Washington, Seattle Chamber of Commerce, King County Labor Council, District Democratic organizations across Seattle, Sierra Club, County Executive Dow Constantine, and many more!
Please vote YES on Proposition 1 for Affordable Housing!
Submitted by:
Ron Sims, former King County Executive
Kelly Rider, Housing Development Consortium of Seattle and King County
Gordon McHenry, Jr., Solid Ground
www.yesforhomes.com, info@yesforhomes.com
Rebuttal To Statement For
No Rebuttal was submitted