History and Mission

The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) was established in 1939 to provide clean, decent, safe and sanitary housing to low-income families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities living in Seattle.

The Authority is an independent municipal corporation. SHA relies on rents, federal subsidies from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and grants from the city, state, or other public and private organizations for most of its income.

Since its inception as a provider of housing, beginning with Yesler Terrace in 1939, SHA has grown to manage nearly 12,000 units of housing, consisting of garden communities, high-rise buildings for elderly and disabled persons, Section 8 supported units, and the locally funded Senior Housing Program. All of these programs house over 22,000 people.

The mission of the Authority is "to enhance the Seattle community by creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments that foster stability and increase self-sufficiency for people with low-income." SHA is led by an Executive Director who reports to a board of seven commissioners appointed by the Mayor.