What is Colville Family Haven?
Colville Family Haven is a proposed 71-unit permanent supportive housing community. It will combine safe, affordable housing with easy access to support services to break cycles of intergenerational poverty and create opportunities for a brighter future. Units will include 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, a common gathering space, a playground, and other recreational amenities.

Where will Colville Family Haven be located?
The proposed location is off Buena Vista Drive, across from the Border Patrol station.

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Who will live at Colville Family Haven?

Colville Family Haven will serve families from the Colville community experiencing homelessness or facing other challenges to accessing safe, affordable housing.  

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Why is Colville Family Haven needed?
A market study to assess demand for affordable housing in Colville was commissioned by Catholic Charities in 2020. The results demonstrated an overwhelming demand for affordable family housing and a low supply of available units. The study reported vacancy levels at or below 1% and that 1,841 households were eligible for subsidized affordable housing, 76 households experiencing homelessness, and 12 chronically homeless households.  The market study echoes the Colville 2020 Comprehensive Plan, which identifies housing as a critical issue and residents reporting difficulty finding available housing across all segments of the housing market.

How does permanent supportive housing differ from traditional affordable housing?

Permanent supportive housing is a proven solution to homelessness for the most vulnerable chronically homeless people. It combines affordable housing assistance with voluntary support services designed to build independent living and tenancy skills and connect people with community-based health care, treatment, and employment services. Colville Family Haven will be one of 18 affordable housing projects Catholic Charities has completed since 2012.

What services can people access at Colville Family Haven?
Rural Resources Community Action, a trusted service provider in rural communities throughout Eastern Washington, will lead coordination and delivery of on-site services. A wide range of additional services will be available to residents through referrals to partner organizations. As in other Catholic Charities family housing communities, services may include case management, medical resources, substance misuse counseling, health and wellness classes, adult education, employment readiness, food preparation and nutrition courses. Children may take advantage of Head Start, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, and out-of-school programs. Many of these will be available on-site to ensure they are easily accessible.

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Why does the project include 71 units?

 The ability to provide wraparound support services is the key to making permanent supportive housing successful in helping families move out of homelessness. Catholic Charities experience with similar housing communities has shown that it is more cost effective – and more people can be served – at communities of this size.   In addition, local service providers in Colville have stated that 71 units are in alignment with the current need for homeless and low-income family housing in the region.  

What about community safety concerns?
We believe that everyone deserves dignity and respect. That applies not only to our residents, but to our haven neighbors and businesses, too. Any concerns from residents or neighbors are addressed in a timely manner, with a goal of reaching a resolution that reflects the values of Catholic Charities.

• A “Good Neighbor” agreement in the lease holds residents accountable for their behavior so that the neighborhood is safe and welcoming for all.

• Illegal substances are not allowed inside housing.

• Residents have access to licensed counselors and other resources to address behavior that violates standards of conduct.

• Security cameras and safety personnel monitor activity in and around our housing communities.

• Controlled and monitored access to the community building limits access to residents and authorized guests only.

• If there is any criminal behavior by residents, we support law enforcement engagement.

 

What is the project timeline?
Construction is estimated to begin in fall 2022, with completion by December 2024.

How much will the Colville Family Haven cost?
The cost of the project is estimated not to exceed $25 million. Funding will be a mix of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit dollars and a Housing Trust Fund loan.