Affordable Housing in
Kitsap and Mason Counties
Rob Putaansuu
Mayor, City of Port Orchard
Board Chair
Katie Walters
Kitsap County Commissioner,
District 3
Board Vice-Chair
Brenda Fantroy-Johnson
Councilmember, City of Bainbridge Island
Brittany Dunklin
Resident Commissioner
Becky Erickson
Mayor, City of Poulsbo
Christine Rolfes
Kitsap County Commissioner,
District 1
Charlotte Garrido
Kitsap County Commissioner,
District 2
Executive Director
November 9, 2023
Wow! I am stunned that is has been over a year since my last message. We have been busy, that is for sure.
We have been working on the Streamlined Voluntary Conversion, which is a way HUD allows public housing authorities to exit public housing yet still provide rental assistance to in-place households. HUD provided approval for this in August, which is exciting! This is a great opportunity for both the residents of Public Housing AND Housing Kitsap.
Additionally, a software conversion will make it possible for households to apply online for housing, as well as submit work order requests, pay their rent or other charges, and complete the required annual paperwork. It is very exciting to move into the current technological offerings!
Housing Kitsap was awarded an additional $800,000 to support additional families in its Housing Choice Voucher Program, which Bremerton Housing Authority currently administers. This is estimated to assist an additional 61 families! These funds are essentially pass through in that they must be used to pay for rental assistance for eligible households. Additionally Housing Kitsap was awarded 5 HUD/VASH vouchers and 5 Housing Stabilization vouchers, which will provide assistance for eligible households (through BHA’s administration of the HK voucher program).
The Mutual Self Help program continues to shine. New homeowners have moved into their brand-new homes! Sherman Ridge is fully complete, as is a neighborhood in Mason County. The next neighborhood for this program is in Port Orchard and the first group of homeowners have recently begun their journey.
Grant opportunities have been on the horizon, and Housing Kitsap has applied for some of these grants in anticipation of getting our multi-family development feet wet again.
The Board of Commissioners and the team remain committed to the mission of providing affordable housing throughout the county, while continuing to seek new opportunities to expand affordable housing options in Kitsap County.
Heather Blough
Executive Director
To learn more about our safe and affordable family housing programs and services, call 360-535-6100. Translators are available.
Housing Kitsap
2244 NW Bucklin Hill Road
Silverdale, WA 98383
Tel: (360) 535-6100
Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS): 711
Toll-Free: (800) 693-7070
Fax: (360) 535-6169
HousingKitsap@HousingKitsap.org