Vision House seeks $20 million to add 28 family apartments, expand childcare in Renton Highlands

Derek Skiva, CEO of Vision House, told the Renton Committee of the Whole that the Renton‑based nonprofit is planning a 28‑unit expansion in Renton Highlands that will include two‑ and three‑bedroom private apartments plus substantial program space and expanded childcare.

Skiva said Vision House has served families experiencing homelessness for 36 years and currently supports “several hundred” families through diversion and transitional services; the presentation noted that those services equate to roughly 1,000 people in the program. Skiva said about 90% of families who complete the roughly one‑year program move on to permanent housing and that the organization maintains an alumni program and will track families for up to three years.

The proposed Renton Highlands building would add private apartments and on‑site program space for counseling, case management and a larger childcare facility. Skiva said the organization owns land immediately adjacent to its existing campus, has completed approximately 30% of the construction design and permitting work, and is selecting a general contractor.

On financing, Skiva gave a capital target of $20,000,000 and said Vision House has raised or received pledges for $5,600,000 to date. He said the mayor had recommended $1,500,000 in city support and described partnerships with local businesses and hopes for fee reductions or forgiveness to reduce costs.

Skiva outlined the organization’s broader funding mix: operational revenue comes largely from private donors and funders, about one‑third of operational revenue is “earned” through childcare, and capital financing for the new facility is expected to come from a mix of private individuals, private foundations and government sources. He also said the organization spends roughly $10,000 a month on translation services to serve families in multiple languages.

Council members asked for specifics about accessibility and religious affiliation. Skiva said four of the 28 apartments will be ADA‑accessible. On questions about faith requirements, he confirmed staff sign a statement of faith at hiring — which he said is protected by law — but he emphasized there is no expectation that people receiving services participate in Christian activities or that services are conditioned on religious participation.

Skiva described partnerships and referral relationships with groups such as Mary’s Place, the Union Gospel Mission and local schools, and said Vision House has expanded diversion operations in Renton in the last year and opened a new facility in Shoreline.

The presentation concluded with an invitation for councilmembers to tour the facility and to continue conversations about collaboration and funding; no formal city action or vote occurred during the meeting.