HELP PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN RURAL WASHINGTON –
RURAL HOME REHABILITATION
Substandard housing in rural areas is one of the most pressing problems facing our state...and
any plan that addresses affordable housing must recognize that repair and retention of existing
homes in rural areas should be a top priority.
We Believe That:
It is only fair that everyone has a safe, decent place to live, and that a stable home allows people
to build better lives.
Children deserve an opportunity to do well in school, and having a stable home increases their
chances of success.
Families, veterans, seniors and people with fixed income due to disabilities should be able to
afford housing and still have enough money for groceries, medical care, and other basic needs.
Why home repair and retention of affordable housing should be a top priority:
Stabilizing the housing of people who are at risk of losing their homes or who live in
deteriorating, unhealthy homes in rural areas is a cost effective alternative to building new
housing or placing them in subsidized housing.
The cost of developing new affordable homes is on the rise—given the current housing shortage
we cannot afford to lose any of our existing affordable housing units.
Investing now in a sustainable statewide revolving loan program can be a critical component in
the mix of solutions to address our states affordable housing problem.
We Know That:
The most vulnerable—including children, seniors and the disabled—too often, live in
deteriorated homes that can have negative impacts on their health and well being.
Many people including seniors and disabled persons living in poverty have equity in their homes
but lack the financial resources to borrow against their homes to keep up with necessary
maintenance.
Preserving homes in rural areas strengthens neighborhoods helps stabilizes individual lives while
preserving the fabric of the community.
A sustainable, deferred loan program administered by local agencies in rural communities
supports the local economy, contractors, suppliers, and creates jobs.
A Rural Home Rehabilitation program is a WIN-WIN for all rural Washingtonians.
For more information, contact Dave Finet, 360-739-7953 [email protected] or
Jeff Guyett, 509-338-4233 [email protected]
Rural Home Repair
Revolving Loan Fund
A sustainable solution to the
housing needs of many residents
in rural Washington State
An elderly couple, the Smiths (not
their real names), were living in the
home shown at the top. A tarp covered
part of the roof, and broken windows
were boarded up instead of being
replaced. It was not a safe or healthy
living environment.
Mr. Smith was disabled by a stroke
and relied on an oxygen tank. The
home had dangerous baseboard heat
and the roof had been leaking. The
couple’s social security was not
enough to cover the expense of
staying warm in the winter and saving
for repairs.
A combination of home repair and
weatherization funds allowed us to
repair this home. Under current home
rehabilitation funding restraints, our
team would not be able to complete
this level of repair and keep the
Smiths safe and in their home.
Mr. Smith told us that while his oxygen is still needed, he is now able to afford more nutritious
meals thanks to his energy cost savings—and he is healthier now than he has been in many years.
This was a win/win for the Smiths and our limited county affordable housing stock, as preserving
our affordable housing is a cost effective alternative to new construction in rural communities.
The most vulnerable people in rural Washington State—including children, seniors and
disabled—too often live in deteriorated homes with negative impacts on their health.
A sustainable, deferred loan program administered by local agencies in rural communities
supports the local economy, contractors, suppliers, and creates jobs.
A sustainable deferred loan program will fill a gap not covered by funding sources such as Low
Income Weatherization, Energy MatchMakers, the Housing Trust Fund and others.
A Rural Home Rehabilitation program is a WIN-WIN for all rural Washingtonians.