Permanent low-cost housing is defined as long-term housing where rent is either below market rate or subsidized. There are several options for permanent low-cost housing in King County:

Conventional Housing
Conventional housing, also know as public housing or garden communities, are housing units owned and operated by local housing authorities and available to low-income elderly, disabled, singles and families.

A housing authority is the local administrator of public housing programs for low-income elderly, disabled, and families. They provide conventional housing and Section 8 programs and funding primarily comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the local government. In King County the local housing authorities are King County, Renton and Seattle.

Each agency maintains their own wait list, which is anywhere from 1-4 years. All three housing authorities operate Section 8 programs. Section 8 programs are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are awarded a Section 8 voucher the housing authority will pay 70% of the fair-market rate and you will pay their 30%, plus any additional amount to make up the difference of the rent.

Seattle Public Housing Authority
Offers public housing for low-income people. Housing is mostly located in multi-family sites within the City of Seattle. Housing consists of high-rises, townhouses, and garden communities. Homeless households are placed on a priority list to be scheduled for interviews. No emergency housing is available. Over 40 housing communities are reserved for elderly and disabled households, while other housing communities serve single individuals and families.

King County Public Housing Authority
The King County Housing Authority (KCHA) makes rental assistance payments directly to the landlord on behalf of the client. Those approved for Section 8 through the KCHA must reside in King County (excluding Seattle and Renton) for the first year in the program. After that, the assistance is transferable anywhere in the U.S. (Clients do not need to reside in King County at the time of application.) Also, KCHA operates over 50 housing projects within King County excluding Cities of Seattle and Renton. Applicants receive priority status for housing if they qualify for one of three federal preferences: homeless, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50% of income for rent and utilities.

Renton Housing Authority
Provides subsidized rental housing for eligible persons at several sites in Renton. Some buildings are reserved for older adults and persons with disabilities, while others also serve families. Offers rental subsidies for eligible clients who locate their own housing. Rental units must meet Housing Authority guidelines. Serves low-income families of 2 or more, older adults (62+), and persons with disabilities.

To access more information about these housing authorities, go to Community Resources Online and enter the agency you wish to know more about in the “agency name” field, or call the Community Information Line. 

For information on housing authorities throughout Washington State, click to the Association of Washington Housing Authorities Web site.