SEATTLE — January 26, 2012 — New website HousingSearchNW.org lets landlords advertise properties free of charge, while renters can search for free to find rentals that fit their needs. The new web-based service is supported by a toll-free call center that can provide assistance in English and Spanish as well as other languages spoken by King County residents. Property owners are registering their properties now. The site will be available for searches by those seeking housing on February 15.

The new service was created by local government agencies working with nonprofits including the Tenants Union, the Puget Sound Rental Housing Association and affordable housing developers. Operating costs are being provided for the first three years by the City of Seattle, King County, United Way of King County, Seattle Housing Authority and King County Housing Authority.

"Access to affordable housing is critical to our economy and to the health of our community," said Communications Director Virginia Felton, a member of the steering committee for the new service. "We believe this service will greatly assist King County residents in locating the housing they need." The Seattle Housing Authority is serving as the fiscal agent and local administrator for the service.

Properties listed on HousingSearchNW.org include a wide range of publically assisted and private, scattered-site housing. Prospective tenants can search for rentals according to specific needs, such as proximity to medical facilities, public transit and schools. Listings can be sorted by rent amount, ZIP Code, date available and other important factors. HousingSearchNW.org offers landlords 24-hour access to managing, adding and updating property listings, and listings can highlight amenities and include photos.

"We're excited about the ability of this service to connect our residents to housing opportunities," said Felton. "We're encouraging property providers to take advantage of the free advertising and list their vacancies on HousingSearchNW.org to help make this service as useful as possible."

HousingSearchNW.org is powered by Socialserve.com, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, dedicated to serving the affordable housing needs of communities. Seattle joins an ever-growing network of regions using Socialserve.com that currently spans 31 states.

Residents can search and list on HousingSearchNW.org online 24 hours a day or call a toll-free, bilingual call center for assistance: 1-877-428-8844, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.