If you’re wondering how to apply for low income housing in Spokane, I have great news. It’s not as complicated as you might think and there are actually many programs available that may be able to assist you.
Step-by-Step Guide
This guide will help you identify what low income housing programs are available to you and the steps you can take to apply for each one. Don’t forget that you may also be eligible for help with your rent or security deposits as well!
Step 1: Coordinated Entry
If you’re homeless or on the verge of losing your home, the Coordinated Entry system can streamline your search for housing.
There are two ways to connect with this service. The right one will depend on whether or not you have children in your household.
- Families with children should contact Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington. They are located at 975 E North Foothills Drive in Building A. You can also call them at (509) 325-5005.
- If you do not have children in your household, you should contact SNAP. They are located at 212 W Second Avenue. You can call them at (509) 456-7627.
The Coordinated Entry process makes it easier because you only have to go through one assessment process. They’ll determine your needs, conduct a detailed assessment, and help you connect with the resources that can help you.
If you need emergency assistance, you can also call the centralized intake service by the Spokane Homeless Coalition. This is not the same as Coordinated Entry. This organization can help you whether you have already lost your housing or if you are at risk of losing your housing. You can call their 24/7 helpline at (877) 266-1818 to reach them.
Step 2: Understand Your Options
There are different types of low income housing in Spokane, including:
Affordable Housing: These are privately owned properties that may have units set aside for low-income individuals or families at below-market rents. Availability and eligibility requirements vary.
Public Housing: These are housing units directly owned and managed by the housing authority (in Spokane’s case, the Spokane Housing Authority). They are typically large apartment complexes or scattered-site homes. Eligibility is based on income, and rent is calculated as a percentage of the household’s income.
Project-Based Housing: This is a form of voucher-based housing where the subsidy is tied to the property, not the tenant. This means the housing authority contracts with private landlords to rent a certain number of units at below-market rates to eligible low-income tenants. The landlord receives the subsidy directly from the housing authority.
Supportive Housing: This type of housing combines affordable housing with support services for individuals or families facing specific challenges, such as homelessness, disability, or mental illness.
Tenant-Based Vouchers (Section 8): This program provides eligible individuals or families with a voucher to subsidize rent in privately owned housing. Participants find their own housing, and the voucher covers a portion of the rent, with the tenant paying the remainder.
Many forms of low income housing have waitlists. This is especially true for Section 8 and Public Housing. It is generally wise to apply for as many low income housing opportunities as you can find so that you can get help faster.
Step 3: Find the Right Provider & Apply
The next step to apply for low income housing in Spokane is to find the property you want to apply for. Most of the city’s affordable housing units are managed by the organizations listed below, so we’ve provided application instructions for each organization.
Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington offers a variety of housing for seniors, veterans, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness. You will need to browse their list of properties to find one that you qualify for. Then, click the Housing Applications button on this page to start the application.
Community Frameworks: Their apartments include Highland Village, Pioneer Park Place, Aspen Grove and more. Their properties are managed by Goodale & Barbieri Company so you’ll need to use the contact information on this page or by browsing the subsidized apartments list on their website to start your application.
Kiemle Hagood: This organization operates 16 separate low income housing properties throughout the Spokane aera, including appleway Court, Home Yard Cottages and Valley Place Apartments. Just pick the property you’re interested in on their website and click the application button to get started.
Spokane Housing Authority: SHA operates many properties including Agnes Kehoe Place Apartments, Cedar West Apartments and The Parsons. Each one has a separate website. In order to apply, pick your property from this list and then click the Applicant Login button. You’ll need to create an account before you can start your application.
Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs: SNAP is one of the most well-known low income housing providers in the Spokane area. They have 12 properties that provide affordable housing to people who need it. Their properties are managed by Kiemle Hagood but aren’t necessarily listed on the KH website, so you’ll need to call them at (509) 838-6541 to get started.
More Affordable Housing Opportunities
Some of the most popular low income housing programs in Spokane include:
Brookstone Apartments: These an affordable housing complex located in Spokane Valley. They charge a sliding-scale rent for low income tenants. You have to learn less than 50% of the Area Median Income to qualify.
Summit View Apartments: This is project-based housing that is managed by Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington. Summit View has 27 apartments that range from 1-3 bedroom. They have a computer lab, library, and laundry facility on-site.
Pine Villa Apartments: These are project-based apartments that are available to very low income earners. Families with an income of 30%-50% of the Area Median Income may be able to live in the Pine Villa Apartments. Rent is calculated as 30% of your income. Contact the manager, Kiemle Hagood, at (509) 467-6865 for details.
North Cliff Terrance Apartments: These apartments provide affordable rent through the WSH Tax Credit Program. Of course, Section 8 vouchers are also accepted. Applicants must be low-income and pass a background check. For more information, please call the office at (509) 325-7088 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
Richard Allen Apartments: These apartments are available for families or people with disabilities who are under age 62. They do not allow pets, but they do have a recreation building with a computer center. Since they are HUD-subsidized, rent is calculated as 30% of your income. Please call (509) 535-6913 for details.
Spokane Housing Ventures: This organization controls several low income housing properties. Their website is frequently hacked and not well maintained, so I recommend calling them instead at (509) 232-0170 for details.
Westfall Village: The Westfall Village complex provides low income housing for people who earn 60% or less of the Area Median Income. You can call them at (509) 487-5244 for details.
You can find additional low income housing opportunities by calling certain providers who specialize in providing affordable opportunities in this area.
Additional Housing Assistance Programs in Spokane
Everyone struggles sometimes. Fortunately, there are several agencies that can help you find and navigate these programs. They may also be able to assist you with other emergency needs.
DSHS: It’s always wise to contact DSHS right away if you need help. They have several programs that may be able to assist your family, including TANF cash benefits, Emergency Assistance funds, Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA), HEN, Pregnant Women’s Assistance and so much more.
Catholic Charities: In addition to the low income housing properties we’ve discussed here, Catholic Charities may also help you pay your rent or your utilities in a crisis.
Goodwill Industries: If you are eligible for HEN, then Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest may also assist you with rent payments, security deposits and utilities. You can also receive cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and bus passes from this location. Give them a call at (509) 462-0518.
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army may help those who are facing eviction, as well as those who need help with furniture, clothing, and children’s school uniforms. If you lose your housing, then you may be interested in their transitional housing solutions and homeless shelter referrals.
Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium: SLIHC is not a housing provider. They advocate for housing and help develop homes. however, they may be able to provide you information about low income housing in the area.
Washington Tenants Union: If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a tenant, you can contact the Tenants Union of Washington State at (206) 723-0500. You can also contact the Northwest Justice Project for legal assistance.
Relief Recap
Finding affordable housing in Spokane can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Remember, persistence and patience are key. Don’t get discouraged by waiting lists or application rejections. By understanding the different programs available, researching your options, and taking advantage of the resources mentioned in this guide, you can increase your chances of securing a safe and affordable place to call home.