Korean Women’s Association Brings More Affordable Housing to Tacoma
May 4, 2022
On Monday, May 2, The Korean Women’s Association (KWA) welcomed Derek Kilmer, U.S. Representative from Washington’s 6th District, to its Lakewood headquarters as he congratulated the organization for receiving $36 million in funding, including a HUD 202 Capital Advance funding award and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, to develop more affordable housing in downtown Tacoma.
Representative Kilmer addressed KWA staff in their newly renovated Lifelong Learning Center, which will serve as a venue for providing classes and training to the many clients served through the organization’s advocacy and education programs. KWA Interim Executive Director and KWA Board members were at the event to welcome Representative Kilmer.
In congratulating KWA on receiving the funding, Derek Kilmer said he has incredible enthusiasm. “We need more housing. We need more senior housing, we need more affordable housing, we need more homeless housing, we need more housing period. And the work that your association is doing is really important. So, I’m excited to be a partner to you in that. So, I’m happy to pick up a shovel and hammer and let’s just get this thing built!”
KWA plans to develop 88 units of affordable housing, including a manager’s unit, in downtown Tacoma at 15th and Tacoma Avenue. The project will provide deeply affordable housing for older adults and will include building design and services to support residents’ ability to age in place. It will include both studio and 1-bedroom units with some units receiving an operating subsidy through the HUD 202 program and others receiving project-based Section 8 vouchers.
The project will set-aside units for frail elderly, seniors who are Veterans and the homeless population. Onsite services will be provided through a resident services coordinator. Residents will benefit from access to a full array of KWA programs and services in a service center in the building. KWA will host several community forums in June 2022 to determine what services will have the greatest impact.
KWA cares how people live with a belief that a home supports the dignity and comfort of each person and that a community that is well-housed fulfills one of society’s most fundamental responsibilities. The project at 15th and Tacoma Avenue is set to be completed in 2024.
