Frequently Asked Question
FAQ: Phase I
What are the specific eligibility requirements to live there and how do people apply to live there?
Referrals for available units are primarily made from Snohomish County Coordinated Entry, a central access point which incorporates uniform screening, assessment, and prioritization.
The project also includes units sponsored by the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) of DSHS. These units are filled by direct referrals from those agencies who utilize similar uniform screening, assessment, and prioritization as Snohomish County Coordinated Entry.
To access Coordinated Entry and be assigned a navigator please contact 2-1-1 (or 800-223-8145) M-F, 8am-5pm. You can also access Coordinated Entry in person by going to the Carnegie Resource Center M-F, between the hours of 9am-4pm @ 3001 Oakes Ave, Everett WA 98201.
How was the building funded?
The building was funded by a variety of local, state, and federal funding, including private philanthropic sources.
Who will manage and run the building? What are the professional credentials of the 24/7 staff planned to be on hand?
There is full-time building manager, exclusively dedicated to the operations and oversight of the building. Professional staff are required to have a BA in a relevant field and experience working with homeless and disabled individuals.
Are the residents free to come and go? Is the building secure?
Residents are free to come and go as they please.
It is a secured building. All exterior doors remain locked at all times. Residents and staff use the front door to enter and exit the building with an electronic key card. The outer lobby is equipped with an intercom through which visitors call staff at reception requesting entry. Residents must check in any guests who visit and there are policies for residents in place to assist tenants in setting limits on their visitors in order to promote tenants’ long-term success in housing.
Can families qualify to live there? What are the age restrictions?
No. The studio apartments are designed as single-person units.
Individuals must be legally able to execute a lease to qualify for the building. This means they are at least 18 years of age or are legally emancipated if under the age of 18.
What is the cost to use of the laundry facilities?
The laundry facilities are for residents of the building and are free to use.
Do the residents pay rent?
We have many who will move-in with zero income so when they move-in they initially don’t pay any rent. Each unit has rental subsidy attached to it and subsidy covers the full rent. After they are moved-in, housing staff work with the resident to be approved for any entitlement programs they qualify for. Examples of such programs include Social Security, Veterans compensation and pension. When a resident begins receiving these benefits their rent at that point in time will be adjusted to 30% of their income and the amount subsidy covers is reduced.
How long do you plan for the average resident stay at the facility? How many will the 82 units house annually?
The 81 studio units are permanent housing for 81 individuals. Residents can live at the building for as long as they like.
The 3-bedroom respite unit is short-term housing intended to provide support for up to 90 days for individuals transitioning out of the state hospital back into the community. During this 90-day time period, any benefits that have been on hold are re-activated and permanent housing is secured with the support of building staff. Building staff will also support these individuals during the transition into their identified permanent housing.
We see a phone in the rooms – does that service come with the room?
The phones in the room function like a doorbell or intercom that can be rung to apartment from outside the building. They do not function as your typical phone to make phone calls.
FAQ: Phase II
What is the timeline for Phases II & III?
As of spring 2021, we’re engaged in early planning and development for Phase II & III. Subject to design and permitting processes, we are aiming to break ground on Phase II during the second quarter of 2022. The Phase II funding that was part of the capital budget was a key piece in helping the project come into fruition and a testament to legislative and community support.
You can learn more about the Washington State capital funding for Phase II here.