Plymouth owns and operates 13 residential buildings in and around downtown Seattle. Our new “graduation” building–Sylvia’s Place—is currently under construction in Belltown, and we plan to break ground at our 7th & Cherry site in December of this year. But that’s only part of Plymouth’s impact on the affordable housing need in our community.
Story by Amy FitzGerald, Director of Compliance, Plymouth Housing Group
Plymouth has subcontracted with King County to administer the Shelter Plus Care program for over 20 years.
There are currently 782 households actively enrolled in the program. These households are single adults, couples, and families with minor children, and they live in more than 387 properties in cities throughout King County.
The head of the household must be homeless and have a qualifying disability (mental illness, chemical dependency, HIV/AIDS), and the family’s total income must be below 50 percent of Area Median Income.
Participants pay 30 percent of their household’s adjusted gross income in rent. Plymouth administers rental assistance payments to supplement the remaining rent and utility costs.
Plymouth’s partnering agencies provide case management and supportive services in clients’ homes and in their locations throughout the King County. These are provided throughout the tenancies of Shelter Plus Care program participants to ensure that tenants have the support they need to remain stable in housing on a permanent basis.
Partners in the program include Asian Counseling and Referral Services, Lifelong Aids Alliance, Catholic Housing Services, Evergreen Treatment Services, NAVOS, Sound Mental Health, Valley Cities, Community Psychiatric Clinic, Harborview Mental Health, Health Care for the Homeless, Harborview Housing First, Community House Mental Health Agency, Downtown Emergency Services Center, Pioneer Human Services, Parent Child Assistance Program, and Transitional Resources.
Here’s what some members of those 782 households have to say about the program:
“We were given the chance to start a new life. We were living in danger, but now we are in a safe place. Simply, this saved my family. Whatever I write, I cannot describe this program. Thank You!!”
“Since Shelter Plus Care, I’ve had part-time jobs, a mailing address for medical and social services, access to needed medication, and 12-Step meetings within walking distance. I have the opportunity to seek employment and social services without the fear of being stuck on the streets. I have a feeling of security. I’m able to feel a part of a home for the first time since 2003. I am so very grateful for this housing! Without this, my recovery would have been 100 times harder.”
“I don’t have to sleep in the woods anymore or beg people to stay with them for a night. The program has changed my life drastically.”
“It has given me stability. I don’t have to depend on others anymore. It has helped my mental health and stress level. It has made me feel proud of myself again. It has given me a chance again at life. Shelter Plus Care has been a blessing for me.”
“I feel like I am a productive member of society again, like I have been most of my life. This program gave me shelter when I needed it most. It was like a miracle—a blessing!!! Every day I pray, and no matter what, I always give thanks to be part of Shelter Plus Care.”