Program Description

The Self-Managed Housing Program (SMHP) provides low-cost transitional housing to homeless, low-income men and women working toward self-sufficiency.  Our "scattered site" model of 8 cooperative-style houses provides housing for up to 42 residents at a time in residential neighborhoods throughout King County.  The homes range in age and size, from a small house for a family of 4 to a large house providing separate rooms for up to 8 individuals.  Different from emergency shelters, these residences can house homeless men and women for up to two years.  Through personal goal setting, employment assistance, and the development of self-management skills, participants gain needed resources in order to stabilize and move on to steady employment and permanent housing.

Program History  

Formed early in 2000, the SMHP united three previously independent Church Council of Greater Seattle programs under a single administration. The original programs were all established to provide low-cost transitional housing and support in accessing needed resources to homeless youth, single adults and families with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. 

Self-Management

The self-management approach empowers residents to effect change in their own living situations by contributing to the overall management of the housing.  Participation in house meetings, advisory meetings, and daily house management, helps residents develop life skills such as negotiation and leadership, critical thinking and decision-making, group problem solving and conflict resolution.

Our self-management model is cost effective because it requires minimal staffing, relying on residents to create their own rules and manage their own houses.  Self-managed housing is successful because it gives residents the opportunity to take charge of their own lives and living environments, places them in situations and neighborhoods that model traditional permanent housing, and teaches them cooperation and community values.

Links

Church Council of Greater Seattle
Low Income Housing Institute
Seattle Jobs Initiative
Seattle-King County Coalition for the Homeless
Committee to End Homelessness King County
Crisis Clinic

To learn more about homelessness in the United States, visit www.nationalhomeless.org. To view a comprehensive database of services in Seattle/King County, visit www.crisisclinic.org.