Imagine Housing expands affordable living with new senior community in Bellevue

The Kenmore Community Convening held on January 29, 2025, focused on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in the area. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of local organizations, including Imagine Housing and Habitat for Humanity, to provide affordable living options for working families.

Imagine Housing, which began its mission in 1987, has expanded significantly since its inception. The organization now operates 15 communities with 639 permanently affordable apartments, serving approximately 1,300 residents. Their developments cater to a diverse range of individuals, including seniors, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness. A new project, Samus Senior, is currently under development, furthering their commitment to affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity also shared its achievements, having assisted over 2,600 families in King and Kittitas Counties since 1986. Their focus is on new construction and home preservation, providing pathways to homeownership for families earning below the median income. They aim to cap mortgage payments at 35% of a household's monthly income, making homeownership accessible for essential workers like nurses and teachers.

The meeting underscored the growing housing crisis in Kenmore, where 58% of households earning between $52,000 and $139,000 are rent-burdened, spending over half their income on housing. To afford a one-bedroom apartment, individuals need an annual income of $90,000, highlighting the disparity between income levels and housing costs.

The discussion also touched on the area median income (AMI) benchmarks, which indicate that many families struggle to find affordable housing options. For a family of three, the income threshold to afford suitable housing remains out of reach, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in affordable housing development.

As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on collaboration between organizations and the city to create a mixed-use development that includes both rental and ownership opportunities. This ambitious approach aims to address the diverse housing needs of the community while fostering a sense of belonging among residents.