By Anna Markee, Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County

The Seattle Housing Levy creates and preserves housing for our most vulnerable neighbors including seniors, people with disabilities, domestic violence victims, veterans and formerly homeless individuals and families.

Seattle voters have supported the Housing Levy since 1981. In today’s tough economic times, it is more important than ever that we renew our commitment to housing people in need. Many people who never thought they would struggle to find a place to live now face homelessness.

Sheila used to work at a steady job and rent a small house where she lived with her son. When she was struck by a debilitating illness, she was unable to work and couldn’t pay her rent. With the help of the housing levy, she now has a safe place to live on Capitol Hill while she undergoes treatment and her son can focus on school.

A growing number of seniors also face a housing crisis. Eunice, a senior citizen, never thought she would need help with housing. But when she unexpectedly lost her job, she feared that she would become homeless. Because of the Housing Levy, she was able to move into Meridian Manor in Northgate where she now lives with a community of seniors and enjoys painting and watching movies.

The Housing Levy also helps people who are homeless get the care and services they need. Too many veterans like Don, who honorably served our country, suffer from disabilities and live on the streets. The Housing Levy funded the Simons Seniors Apartments in Belltown where Don now has his own home and case management to help him live independently.

The $145 million dollar Housing Levy will provide 1,850 affordable homes serving thousands of families and individuals over the next 50 years. In addition, it will prevent homelessness for over 3,000 families and individuals, getting them back on their feet for the long term.

The Housing Levy not only serves the most vulnerable in our community, but it also creates family-wage jobs and brings in additional funds to our community. A small amount of funding also provides loans to low-income first time homebuyers from communities who have historically been shut out of homeownership.

In South Seattle, non-profits like Habitat for Humanity, HomeSight, and HomeStead Community Land Trust are revitalizing neighborhoods by providing mortgage counseling and home purchase assistance for low-income families.

Renewing the seven-year levy would replace the expiring levy and cost the typical Seattle homeowner $65 per year.

The Yes For Homes campaign needs help with financial contributions, phonebanking, doorbelling and other voter contact. To sign up for a volunteer shift or make a donation, visit www.yesforhomes.org.