Plymouth Housing was founded on the belief that a safe, stable home is the necessary first step for any person experiencing homelessness to begin improving their lives. We develop, build, and operate new and historic buildings throughout King County to provide housing and supportive services for qualified residents.
But what is a Plymouth apartment like, from a resident’s perspective?
In his 10 years as a Plymouth resident, David Chen has lived in two of our buildings—a historic site near Pioneer Square, and currently in a newly constructed building near Seattle Center. Now one of two residents serving on Plymouth’s Board of Trustees, David is committed to supporting others as Plymouth staff supported him.
David Chen is a Plymouth resident who serves on our Board of Trustees.
“I just love the people here,” David says. “The staff have been caring to me since the beginning. Everyone has been very supportive. And the residents—these are my people. I have gone through pretty much everything they have gone through.”
David moved into his first Plymouth building near Pioneer Square after losing his job, his apartment, and living in the streets for years. He remembers what a contrast it was to go from experiencing homelessness, to being housed. Across Plymouth’s entire portfolio of permanent supportive housing buildings, residents have access to individualized support and services, including medical and behavioral health care.
David’s current apartment—where he has lived since 2021—is on the top floor of his building, which he loves.
A fully furnished apartment unit at Kristin Benson Place.
“I am facing the water and have two big windows, so I can see the water and mountains—sunsets are amazing. Seattle is such a photogenic city.” His building was brand-new when he moved in. “I was the first resident to move in here, and I love the units. The building is clean, and it’s a climate-friendly building. I have everything you need in here.”
He also loves his new neighborhood: “I go to some local coffeeshops, and since I do a lot of work downtown, I can jump on the monorail and be where I need to be in two seconds.” The proximity of Seattle Center is a huge draw for him. “I love the location. The summer time is bangin’. Every weekend is so great. On New Year’s Eve, I get to walk out the door and see the fireworks. I live right next to Climate Pledge Arena, and just saw the Lauryn Hill concert. If it’s cheap, I go to the show.”
The outdoor courtyard space at Plymouth’s building, Kristin Benson Place.
And for David, his building offers opportunities for community with other residents: “We have a community room downstairs with a big screen TV and access to an outdoor patio. There is a garden space if we want to plant stuff for our residents. We have barbeques and events there. You would have no idea it’s a permanent supportive housing building; it looks like the Center Steps apartments. I participate in community events and love hanging out with people here.”
David sees his service on the Plymouth board as an opportunity to contribute to an organization that supported him.
Plymouth board members, including Chen, speak with Redmond community members and residents.
“Plymouth Housing has been so good to me,” he says. “That’s one of the reasons why I felt so honored to be nominated [for the Board of Trustees]. I am in a place in my life where I want to leave a legacy behind to do something good. I can help, I can give back. Even after I roll off the board, I would still love to go to the meetings and be an advocate. After all, where would all these wonderful people be if they didn’t have this building?”
Visit the Plymouth website to learn more about Plymouth’s buildings, permanent supportive housing, or to make a gift in support of our work.