Investing Our Hearts in Affordable Housing

by Lindsey Burks, Marketing Intern

At the corner of 104^th and Golden Given in Parkland, a small community with a big story is garnering support from philanthropic people throughout Pierce County. Habitat for Humanity of Tacoma/Pierce County’s most ambitious project to date, The Woods at Golden Given, will bring the development of 30 homes for low-income families. This community will demonstrate it is possible to build housing that is decent, affordable and gives low-income families the opportunity to own their own home.

The Woods at Golden Given was awarded funding through the local Housing Trust Fund Demonstration Project. This trust fund is offered, since its inception in 2007, by a partnership between the Pierce County Department of Community Connections, City of Tacoma and United Way of Pierce County. In the past five years, the partnership has leveraged over $1.5 million to invest in 451 units of affordable housing. To amplify the investment, the Housing Trust Fund Demonstration Project received a $1 million match from United Way, made possible by a campaign match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Russell Investments.

Prior to receiving assistance from Habitat for Humanity, numerous families lived in conditions that were overcrowded, unsafe or very difficult on them financially. Upon acceptance into the homeownership program through Habitat for Humanity, families must commit to 500 hours of sweat equity building their home and the homes of other families. Specifically the sweat equity component is essential for families because it not only teaches them basic home repair skills, but it also helps families build a community long before they receive the keys to their new homes. Additionally, families must spend 20 of the 500 sweat equity hours attending financial literacy and homeownership classes, which set them up for greater success and stability after the completion of their homes.

There are a few key plans for the Woods at Golden Given that really set this new neighborhood apart from other low-income housing communities. All 30 of the houses will be Energy Star certified and built following sustainable building practices such as the use of rain gardens, the retention and recycling of trees and wetland mitigation. Secondly, a grassroots leadership and environmental education program called Habitat Connects, is being developed for the residents of the Woods. Also with the Wood’s proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in mind, Habitat for Humanity has set a number of homes aside for purchase by qualified veteran and active-duty military personnel and their families. Finally, the Woods at Golden Given will have a central open space, a common house and shared community amenities such as playgrounds, a community garden and a sports field to encourage the cultivation of a community and culture.

The first home dedication at the Woods at Golden Given took place on September 5, 2013. Prior to the Railean family receiving the keys, Habitat’s pastor welcomed them into their new home with a blessing. The Woods at Golden Given project is near and dear to our hearts here at United Way of Pierce County because of our strong focus on strengthening families. We aim to help families provide a stable and nurturing environment for their children so they may be physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively ready to participate in school and also perform at or above grade level by age 10. Do you have specific skills you would like to share to join in our fight to strengthen families? Volunteer to strengthen families, or volunteer in any other area of passion, by connecting with our Volunteer Center at http://www.volunteerpiercecounty.org/