Grants designed to boost the amount of affordable housing in Clark County
Vancouver Housing Authority and Columbia Non-Profit Housing (which was established by VHA) recently received two state grants to boost the amount of affordable housing in Clark County.
The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Traditional Housing Trust Fund awarded CNPH $5 million toward the construction of Laurel Manor, an 82-unit apartment complex for low-income adults age 55 and older.
It’s planned for a vacant lot near Northeast 66th Avenue and 33rd Street in the Bagley Downs neighborhood. Half of the units will be for seniors at or below 30 percent of the area median income and the other half at or below 50 percent of the area median income. One-fifth will house seniors exiting homelessness.
Laurel Manor will have a community room, library, computer room, gym, staff offices and private space for visiting health professionals. Outside, residents can access a walking trail, patio and community garden plots.
To meet the total development cost of $29.6 million, the project received low-income housing tax credits and an award from the City of Vancouver’s Affordable Housing Fund.
Commerce’s Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition program awarded VHA $6 million to purchase a 40-unit apartment complex from Team Construction.
The apartments, which are under construction, are located in the Vancouver Mall neighborhood near public transportation, services and shopping. The complex will house people at or below 30 percent and 50 percent of the area median income. VHA anticipates units will be move-in ready in April 2022.
The project’s total cost is $10 million. In addition to funding from Commerce, the project also received support from the Affordable Housing Fund. VHA previously received RCHA funds to buy a hotel near Vancouver Mall that will be used for a homeless shelter and later be converted to permanent supportive housing.
With awards totaling $131 million for 40 projects statewide, Commerce said this was its largest ever single award amount for grants and loans supporting affordable housing. Most projects assist people experiencing homelessness.
Information provided by Vancouver Housing Authority.
