Social Housing 101
What is social housing?
Social housing is publicly owned, permanently affordable, mixed-income housing. It has been proven in cities like Vienna and Singapore for decades, and now it's coming to Seattle. Unlike subsidized rental programs, social housing is a public asset built to outlast any market cycle and stay affordable for good.
- Who is it for?
- Social housing is designed for low- and middle-income households, generally those earning up to 120%+ of Area Median Income (AMI). Elara is mixed-income by design and open to everyone who qualifies, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, or any other protected class.
- Who owns it?
- The Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD), a public development authority created by voter-approved Initiative 135 in 2023. Elara and any future buildings stay in public hands permanently.
- How is rent set?
- Rents are scaled to household income, not the market. Residents with higher incomes help cross-subsidize neighbors with lower incomes, all within the same building. It's how social housing stays financially sustainable without relying on the private market.
- Why Elara?
- Elara at the Market is a 150-unit, move-in-ready building steps from Pike Place Market. SSHD's board unanimously approved its purchase as Seattle's first social housing building, making it a landmark moment for the city.
- How do I apply?
- Applications are managed through SSHD. Sign up for updates so you can stay up to date on when the next lottery will be open.