SHA Executive Director Rod Brandon, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and SDOT Director Greg Spotts joined Seattle Housing Authority residents on January 24 to celebrate the SHA Transit Pass program.

City of Seattle distributing free ORCA Cards to more than 10,000 SHA residents

The City of Seattle is partnering with the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) to provide free unlimited-use ORCA cards to all residents who are living in SHA-owned and managed housing through December 2026. This pairing between an affordable housing program and an accessible public transit initiative is the first of its kind at this comprehensive scale in the United States. The SHA Transit Pass program will benefit more than 10,000 SHA residents by helping them save money on transportation and encouraging increased transit use.

Congratulations to SHA digital skills graduates

Thanks to a state grant, SHA is able to offer digital navigation services, including a six-week digital skills class for residents.  The first class ran from Dec. 13, 2022 to Feb. 2, 2023.  Class participants learned basic computer skills, such as learning how to use the keyboard and mouse, internet safety and more.  A total of 36 students from High Point, Rainier Vista, MLK Jr. Apts and NewHolly participated in the digital skills class. Graduates were awarded a certificate and were given their own laptop to keep.  

Somali Family Safety Task Force celebrates launch of new bilingual children's books

The Somali Family Safety Task Force released five new Somali and English children's books during their book launch event at NewHolly Gathering Hall on Jan. 27. The Somali community partnered with Seattle Housing Authority, Seattle Public Schools, The Seattle Public Library and residents from NewHolly and High Point to create the books. Speakers at the event included Mayor Bruce Harrell, SHA Executive Director Rod Brandon and Chief Librarian of The Seattle Public Library Tom Fay.

The mission of the Seattle Housing Authority is to enhance the Seattle community by creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments that foster stability and self-sufficiency for people with low incomes. SHA provides long-term, low-income rental housing and rental assistance to more than 37,000 people in Seattle. SHA owns and operates approximately 8,400 housing units at nearly 400 sites throughout the city. SHA also administers more than 11,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, enabling low-income residents to receive rental assistance throughout the Seattle housing market. SHA, an independent public corporation established in 1939, is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, two of whom are SHA residents. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. More information is available at www.seattlehousing.org.