The Yakima Housing Authority (YHA) was joined by funding partners, elected officials and the development team to mark the start of construction of their latest project, Chuck Austin Place. The project will provide 10 two-bedrooms, 17 one-bedroom and 14 studio units of supportive housing for homeless veterans and their families. It will include a comprehensive social service center for homeless veterans in the Yakima community, including a medical and dental clinic operated by Yakima Neighborhood Health Services and case management offices for the VA and Blue Mountain Action Council.
The former Yakima Armory is being donated to YHA through a federal property disposition program. Funders include the State Housing Finance Commission, Enterprise Community Investment, Heritage Bank, the State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund and Local and Community Projects funds, the City of Yakima, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Impact Capital. The rooftop solar panel installation is being funded through a grant from Pacific Power’s Blue Sky fund and Energy Tax Credits via Enterprise. US Senator Patti Murray and Chuck Austin, a three-war veteran and the project’s namesake, spoke at the event.