WASHINGTON LOW INCOME HOUSING ALLIANCE

SEATTLE, Washington, 98104 United States

Mission Statement

We change public policy so that people in Washington of all races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, and identities can live in safe, healthy homes they can afford. We do this through educating decision-makers, organizing, and amplifying the voices and priorities of people and communities most impacted by housing instability and homelessness.

About This Cause

Through organizing, leadership development, and collective action, we build community power among those most impacted by housing injustice and pass equitable housing legislation that can transform our communities. Our ultimate goal is for Washington to be a state where everyone can live to their fullest potential, in safe, healthy homes they can afford, and where low-income people have meaningful roles in developing solutions to the housing crisis. Almost 240,000 people in Washington are considered extremely low income. There are just three affordable and available rental homes for every ten families at this income level. A full-time wage of $40.32 per hour is needed to afford an average priced modest 2-bedroom apartment in Washington. In the Seattle area, that jumps to over $50 per hour. Because of these high rents, a full three quarters of the lowest-income households pay more than half their income for rent, leaving very little left over for food, transportation, childcare, and other basic needs. Because of historic and current racist policy, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) are far more likely to be homeless, to be evicted, and to pay more than they can afford for rent. Public policy choices created this crisis, and we change public policy as the solution. We advocate at the federal level with national partners, and at the local level when adding our voice will help, but our focus is primarily on state legislative advocacy. We identify priorities each year after a robust process that includes a statewide survey, feedback from organizational members and allies (particularly those based in communities most impacted by homelessness including BIPOC communities and disability rights groups) and listening sessions/focus groups with people who have personal experience with housing insecurity or homelessness. We believe that better policy is created when people and communities most impacted by housing injustice are leaders in developing and advocating for solutions.

WASHINGTON LOW INCOME HOUSING ALLIANCE
304 Alaskan Way S #302 North Tower Suite N220
SEATTLE, Washington 98104
United States
Phone 206-442-9455
Twitter @wliha
Unique Identifier 911599354