$1.8 million in grants aim to reduce asthma at High Point

SEATTLE—October 27, 2003—Thirty-five High Point families will benefit from a demonstration project to build and study "healthy homes" in the redeveloped High Point community. Grants totaling $1.8 million have been awarded to a partnership of Neighborhood House, Public Health of Seattle and King County, and the Housing Authority to reduce the incidence of asthma among low-income residents of public housing. To learn more, click here.

Community Service Requirement for residents to affect about 1,000 residents

SEATTLE—October 25, 2003—As the result of a new federal regulation, public housing residents who are not employed or otherwise engaged in "self-sufficiency activities" (e.g. job training, school, or job search) will be required to provide eight hours a month of community service. This controversial requirement can be fulfilled by a variety of volunteer activities. Residents who are over 62 or are disabled will be exempt from the requirement. The Housing Authority estimates that about 1,000 households will be affected. For details about this program will be administered in Seattle, click here.

Lee House temporarily moved to preserve it while construction takes place

SEATTLE—October 22, 2003—Even before Holly Park was built, the Lee House sat proudly on the hillside above Othello Street. Now this historic structure has outlived the public housing structures that have surrounded it for more than 60 years. The Lee House has now been temporarily moved in order to preserve it while construction takes place nearby. For more information and photos, click here.

Deconstruction demonstrates sustainable building practices

SEATTLE—October 22, 2003—In an innovative pilot project, SHA has contracted with Knights Construction and Development to deconstruct 20 of the units that are being demolished at High Point. Deconstruction involves taking the buildings apart piece by piece so that the building materials can be recycled or reused. Both SHA and Knights Construction have been the subjects of several articles and newscasts over the past month as this conservationist approach to demolition has been pursued. For details click here.

SSHP advisory committee created

SEATTLE—October 20, 2003—Taking the advice of housing advocates and residents, the SHA Board of Commissioners has established a permanent advisory committee to monitor rents and rent policy in the Seattle Senior Housing Program. The committee will be convened annually for a series of meetings during SHA's budgeting process. According to Deputy Executive Director Al Levine, "Having an on-going review committee like this will help SHA continue to run a strong program that meets community expectations." Learn about the composition of the new committee here.