I want to share with you something that’s close to our hearts – the stories of the families who will benefit from an important housing initiative right here in our district, the Housing Hope Scriber Place. Imagine being a child, showing up at school homeless, uncertain of where you’ll sleep at night. This initiative aims to change that, offering a lifeline to families in need.
Currently, there are more than 700 families in the Edmonds School District facing homelessness, and it’s a serious concern that we cannot ignore. The Scriber Place project, a joint effort between the Edmonds School District and Housing Hope, intends to provide housing for 52 of these families. While it can’t serve all of those in need, it is a big step forward for the families that will be housed.
I am thrilled to share that we’ve reached a crucial milestone for this project. I was able to secure the final $2 million required to make this vision a reality. This money completes all the funds needed to start building these homes. I am proud of the collective effort that has enabled the construction of these much-needed housing units.
The Housing Hope Scriber Place community will be run by Housing Hope, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing affordable housing in Snohomish County. They have a commendable track record of assisting our community members in need by providing homes and supportive services, fostering stability and independence.
This groundbreaking partnership between Housing Hope and the Edmonds School District is setting a precedent for our state. We’re attempting to build affordable housing for homeless students on excess school district property – a model that, once proven successful, can serve as a template for other communities. It’s an innovative solution to the issue of student homelessness that we can all be proud of.
Even though we have this wonderful project to be proud of, there’s still much more work ahead of us. Ensuring that children have a good place to live is a big challenge, and we need to keep pushing forward. I encourage you to stay in touch and stay involved. As we prepare for next year’s legislative session, your thoughts and ideas are important. Feel free to reach out to me – together, we can keep making positive changes in our community. Send me an email at jesse.salomon@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at 360-786-7662.
— By State Sen. Jesse Salomon
Jesse Salomon is a state senator for the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Mountlake Terrace, Woodway and portions of Edmonds and Lynnwood
The problem is low housing for disabled single people who make under $ 1000.00 a month that are expected to pay rent heat groceries – gas etc . Where else can they turn to ? I have about 10 friends that are living this way today
Building housing is great. It is a start. When the building is done, how do you intend to furnish the houses? Will you be asking for donations of furniture and so forth? If your plans are to do that, I would suggest reaching out to churches in the area. They are the most giving people I know. Let them know the needs and watch them go to work!
There has been a long time vision from Edmonds Lutheran Church who owned the property prior to the sale to Housing Hope to help provide low income housing. I was unaware of the Edmonds School District being a part of this process. I see the Edmonds School District being recipients of the vision. Edmonds Lutheran has been able to provide housing to one family in a “blockable” which was coordinated by the school district. Glad more housing will be available to more Edmonds residents.
Scriber Place is a separate project and is in Lynnwood. The history of it is here. Background on the Edmonds Lutheran Church project with Housing Hope in Edmonds is here.
I think this is a great partnership to address the student homelessness. Hopefully, to keep kids in school to break the cycle.
Low income seniors is another important population that should not be a plan should be considered for creating a partnership. , Homage may be a great partner to address their needs.
We also have our forgotten veterans. There is the Sabastian House in Lynnwood that provides services and shelter, partnering with organization.
Any and all solutions are welcome to solve our mental health crisis, our community food insecurities and housing shortage.