Our Work
EXISTING PROPERTIES
Affordable Home Ownership
Vashon HouseHold (VHH) has developed or contributed to three affordable homeownership properties (consisting of 38 homes) on the Island. The primary method that VHH uses is a Community Land Trust (CLT). The home price does not include the cost of the land, making the house more affordable to the homeowner. Instead, the homeowner leases the land from the CLT in a long-term, renewable lease. The house appreciates at a pre-calculated rate which keeps it affordable in perpetuity. Learn more about CLTs here.
Roseballen CLT
VHH and Northwest Housing Development, a non-profit partner, provided 19 new affordable homes on 4 acres of land for lower-income, first-time buyers. Homes at Roseballen Community Land Trust are clustered around a common green, part of 12.5 acres of shared, permanently preserved open space. Another 3.5 acres of land are devoted to a community garden and farm.
These homes have purchase prices far below market value. They were made affordable through sweat equity, with families and individuals working together under professional construction supervision. Homeowners qualify for government-subsidized mortgage loans with discounted, sliding-scale interest rates.
Roseballen features quality Craftsman-style homes that range in size from an 849-sq. foot, two-bedroom home to a 1360-sq. foot, 4-bedroom home. Single-car garages offer an additional 336 sq. feet. The homes include hardwood floors, front and back porches, new energy-efficient appliances, wood-faced cabinetry, and natural gas furnaces and ranges. The homes face onto a pedestrian-friendly green-belt with walking paths and shared recreation space.
Roseballen was named for Rose Ballen, one of the original members of VHH.
Sunflower CLT
Sunflower Community Land Trust is a neighborhood community of 14 single family homes located just two blocks east of Vashon’s town center off Bank Road, inspired by the small-house movement. These homes are designed to be energy efficient, have minimal environmental impact, and be beautiful and comfortable. VHH created Sunflower so that working families and people with modest incomes could live in the Vashon community.
The homes at Sunflower are clustered to create ample open space. While placed to maximize privacy, the clustering also emphasizes community living. This is a walk-in community featuring centralized parking and shared open space with permeable pedestrian pathways.
These 600-sq. ft. houses are great homes for individuals, single and coupled families with young children, and even downsizing seniors. Each 1 bedroom/1 bath house has a large front porch, extending the generous open living space, and includes a bonus area loft. The fully equipped kitchen opens to the backyard. Each house is built so that a second bedroom could be added in the future.
This community was named for the daughter of a neighbor who died tragically. Her nickname was Sunflower.
Vashon Cohousing
VHH embarked on its first project in 1995 with funds from King County and the State of Washington to purchase 5 land units. Those units have become Vashon Cohousing, an 18-unit, single family neighborhood with a large common house for community meals and other shared activities, clustered on 12 acres. VHH built 5 of these homes in 1997 and sold them to income-qualified, first-time homebuyers. The homes are fully owned by these families, who are full community members, but a covenant is recorded with these homes so they can only be resold to people whose incomes do not exceed 80% of the area median income. This ensures that the home is always sold below market value to another lower income family.
Affordable Rental Apartments and Townhouses
JG Commons
VHH built J.G. Commons in 2003 for low-income seniors ( 62 and older). The building features 21 modern, 1-bedroom apartments suitable for singles and couples. JG Commons includes a community room, lounge area, conference room, on-site laundry, and an elevator for wheelchair accessibility.
These affordable units are located 2 blocks from Vashon’s town center and within walking distance of public transportation, stores, parks, the library, and other amenities. Typical apartments at JG Commons are 550 sq. feet with an airy, open floor plan. Most of the units overlook preserved wooded open space.
Seniors who meet HUD’s (Housing and Urban Development) income guidelines may be eligible. HUD’s 202 program provides rent subsidies for all residents, ensuring that no one pays more than 30% of their income for rent. The units are highly energy efficient and may be modified to accommodate people with disabilities.
J.G. Commons was named for Joy Goldstein and Grace Crecelius, two of the original VHH board members.
Eernisse
Eernisse Apartments has 26 affordably-priced apartments built in 2007. The project is the first apartment complex in the community built with large families and groups in mind. There is a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units -- the only affordable three-bedroom apartments on Vashon Island.
Eernisse is home to many families who have been priced out of the sky-rocketing rental market. All of the units are affordable to households that meet the federal definition of “low income," and half are affordable to those considered “very low income." VHH secured permanent rental assistance for residents with the greatest need. This subsidy ensures that 13 of these households will pay no more than 30% of monthly income to rent.
This property was named for Fred Eernisse who owned and farmed the land that was bought before developing.
Charter House
Charter House features 9 spacious, 1-bedroom apartments reserved for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. These affordable units are located just 2 blocks from Vashon’s town center, within walking distance of public transportation, stores, parks, the library, and other amenities. Typical apartments in Charter House are 870 sq. feet with separate kitchens and dining areas. All residents are eligible to receive monthly rental assistance from the USDA Rural Housing Program, which ensures that tenants pay rent at or below 30% of their monthly incomes.
Originally constructed in 1970, the building was purchased and rehabilitated by VHH in 1996. VHH kept the original name. By buying the property and reinstating the USDA rental subsidies for the tenants, VHH prevented the displacement of many long-time residents. The goal of this and other VHH rentals is to ensure that residents are provided with quality, stable homes, and that all units and grounds are kept in the best possible condition.
Mukai Commons
In April 2009, VHH purchased an apartment complex in the heart of Vashon Town and renovated all 20 units for low income families and individuals. There are 12 one-bedroom apartments and 8 two-bedroom townhouses.
The 3 buildings were in poor condition, having suffered years of neglect inside and out. With the support of King County and the State of Washington, VHH bought the buildings and secured grants to fully rehab every unit.
During 2009 and 2010, VHH replaced roofs, windows, doors, carpeting, cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures in most units and addressed problems with wiring, plumbing and poor insulation. VHH also refurbished the building exteriors with new siding and new landscaping and improved parking areas. There is also a new laundry facility. Mukai Commons is now a safe, affordable, and beautiful place to live.
Mukai Commons provides a home to those who cannot afford market-rate rentals. All of the units are affordable to households that meet federal low-income standards and are set aside for people at or below 50% of the median income. Five of the 20 units are reserved for formerly homeless people.
This property is named for Masahiro Mukai, who farmed in the area in the 1930s through the 1960s.
Islander Apartments
In 2023, VHH purchased a three building, 12-unit apartment complex in the heart of Vashon Town for low-income families and individuals called the Islander Apartments. There are 4 one-bedroom apartments and 8 two-bedroom apartments. Many of the units were recently renovated and have been very well taken care of throughout the years. Many of the apartments have in-unit laundry and all have access to common laundry machines. Each unit is single story and has an outdoor patio. Islander Apartments provides a home to those who cannot afford market-rate rentals. Many who live here work for Vashon businesses such as Thriftway, Sea Mar, and Sawbones. Many others are seniors on fixed incomes. All the units are affordable to households that meet federal low-income standards and are set aside for people at or below 80% of the median income.
