Last week was the time of year we gather to be thankful, and in the month of December we reflect on the hard work of the past year. SKHHP has so many reasons to feel grateful and accomplished as we move into the New Year. Most importantly we are thankful for you, South King County, and the wild, diverse, and sometimes weird things that make our community a place people want to build their homes.

2022 has been a busy year with many highs and some lows for South King County and SKHHP. A significant portion of this year was continuing to lay the groundwork and foundation for SKHHP. At the start of the year, both the SKHHP Executive and Advisory Board took steps to further define and develop their structures. The Advisory Board established their by-laws and began the work of supporting the Executive Board.

This support was essential as the Executive Board undertook the challenge of developing both State and Federal legislative priorities for 2023. Work like this is at the very core of SKHHP’s mission to create an environment where the diverse, singular voices of South King County can combine to advance the cause of affordable housing. Thanks to the tireless work of the Executive and Advisory Boards both Olympia and the other Washington will hear directly from you what South King County needs.

Of course, one of the elements that SKHHP is proudest to have accomplished is to not only have developed the process for our Housing Capital Fund, but to review applications. In September of 2022, SKHHP received its first applications, and the months of November and December our Advisory and Executive Boards are thoroughly reviewing each one. As it currently stands, SKHHP will be able to announce the first awardees in the beginning months of 2023.

No year can pass without changes, and SKHHP has been no different. Earlier this year, we said goodbye to Patricia Abbate and hired a new Program Coordinator in October, Dorsol Plants. Currently, we are actively hiring for the Executive Manager position as we say our goodbyes to Angela San Filippo a pivotal member of SKHHP. We are thankful for her immense work on behalf of our community and look forward to welcoming our new Executive Manager in early 2023.

After all that, there is still so much more to do. We look forward to another great year of working with you to keep a safe and happy home a part of everyone’s American Dream.