Stable Housing Delivers Hope | City of Vancouver, Washington, USA

Meet Brittney

Brittney Shaughnessy lost her job during the pandemic. At nearly seven months pregnant, she feared no one would hire her. She was referred to Open House Ministries, where she received safe shelter and guidance from a case manager while she participated in a program to help her transition out of homelessness and into stable housing.

After giving birth to her son, Brittney enrolled in college. She graduated and got a job as a medical assistant. When Open House gave her the opportunity to move into a new home with her son at their Pinewood Terrace property, she was living with her parents. It had been five years since Brittney had a place of her own.

“It’s so important…just for your psyche . . . having your own spot to call home,” said Brittney. “I feel like I achieved something that seemed so far out of reach probably two years ago. I’m just grateful I went through and kept my word and finished school and got a career in what I went to school for…I love what I do and I love being a mom.”

Pinewood Terrace provides 14 units, 10 of which are reserved for very low-income households (earning 50% or less of the area median income). This year, the property was acquired by Open House Ministries who committed to a 20-year covenant to ensure it would be preserved as affordable housing long-term. The $1.95 million acquisition was supported by a $750,000 investment from the AHF.

Meet Sarah

For another single parent, Sarah Willman, a new home provided a chance to feel safe and build a foundation for her young son. Sarah moved into the 31st Street Tiny Home Project this year.

The road to a stable home was rocky. She lived in hotels off and on and after living in an apartment with mold issues and no fixes, she accessed shelter for herself and her son at Open House Ministries. Despite being employed, she couldn’t afford other options. When she received a referral for the opportunity to move into a tiny home, it changed her life.

“The feeling that came from this is indescribable. The stability, finally feeling that I’m safe. . . that I have some place that I can build on,” said Sarah. “I can’t say enough good about what this place has done for me and what this house has offered me.”

Sarah’s new home is part of a community of four tiny homes, located on West 31st Street just east of NW Fruit Valley Road. The community was produced by the Vancouver Housing Authority for a total of $750,000 with a $250,000 investment from the AHF. Each 616-square-foot, two-bedroom home is home to previously homeless individuals who earn 50% or less than the median area income.

After moving in, Sarah waited two months to put her family photos on the wall. Enough time to make sure this newfound stability wasn’t going anywhere.

“Putting those pictures up meant that I had to admit that yes, this is a home. I do get to be here. I do get to stay here. This is mine and I’ve earned it.”

About Vancouver’s Affordable Housing Fund

In 2016, Vancouver voters approved a $42 million property tax levy to support AHF projects. Since 2016, the AHF has served more than 1,654 households, provided 1,061 affordable units and 405 shelter beds. Vancouver’s AHF continues addressing affordable housing challenges through 2023. Learn more about how these investments are creating and preserving affordable housing and contributing to efforts to end homelessness at www.cityofvancouver.us/ahf.