Housing Trust Fund Repair Fund
Washington State is taking a significant step to safeguard its affordable housing supply with the launch of the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Repair Fund. Recognizing that preserving existing affordable units is just as crucial as building new ones, the Washington State Legislature directed Commerce to establish this vital program in 2024. The result is a targeted funding opportunity designed to keep our low-income and permanent supportive housing safe, habitable, and available for those who need it most.
The HTF Repair Fund is specifically designed to address one-time, urgent repair projects that threaten the habitability or safety of affordable housing units. Eligible applicants can receive up to $200,000 to tackle critical issues like repair of units or entire buildings, abatement of potentially hazardous materials (e.g., lead paint, asbestos), and safety-related structural improvements. Priority will be given to projects where repairs make a unit uninhabitable or pose immediate health or safety risks to tenants. This fund is a crucial resource for emergencies, not for routine operations, maintenance, or services.
To be considered for the HTF Repair Fund, a Washington multifamily housing provider must meet one of the following criteria: provide low-income housing with an active contract in the Commerce HTF portfolio, including properties funded by the State Housing Trust Fund, National Housing Trust Fund, or HOME program; or provide permanent supportive housing with a current contractual obligation from any public capital funding source, including municipal funds. Detailed information on eligible projects and program guidelines is available through Commerce's resources on Box.
The application process for the HTF Repair Fund is straightforward and designed for efficiency. The online portal for applications will launch on June 2, 2025. When applying, be prepared to provide documentation that may include your HTF Contract, a contract from another public funder (if applicable), itemized invoices, receipts, bids, and/or estimates for the proposed repairs, and an insurance claim or a clear explanation of why insurance is not being utilized. The dedicated Commerce team is committed to reviewing applications promptly, striving to provide a response within 10 days of submission.
The HTF Repair Fund is a testament to Washington State's commitment to ensuring safe and stable housing for all its residents. If you're an eligible housing provider facing urgent repair needs, we encourage you to prepare your documentation and apply when the portal opens on June 2nd. This fund is here to help preserve our essential affordable housing infrastructure and keep our communities strong.