WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) submitted a Community Project Funding request of $1,000,000 for the MLK Mixed Use Affordable Housing and Early Learning Center, Low Income Housing Institute in Rainier Valley, Seattle, Wash. to the House Appropriations Committee.

"We greatly appreciate Representative Adam Smith's inclusion of our project, it demonstrates a real commitment to addressing the displacement of communities of color and expanding child care resources for immigrants and refugees in our community," said Sharon Lee, Executive Director of Low Income Housing Institute.

The MLK Mixed Use Affordable Housing and Early Learning Center (MLK Mixed Use) located just south of the Othello Light Rail Station will provide 152 apartment units for low-income and homeless families and individuals and an early learning center and play area operated by the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA). As a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project, MLK Mixed Use will lead to better mobility, reduced car traffic, reduced household spending on transportation, healthier lifestyles, less pollution, higher foot traffic for commercial businesses, and decreased suburban sprawl.

This project will provide much needed affordable housing for low-income and homeless families and individuals in a neighborhood that is experiencing massive displacement and gentrification. The requested funding will help advance the development of MLK Mixed Use to immediately bring people off the streets and into stable housing, prevent many from becoming homeless, and help reduce displacement and gentrification.

Click here for information about other Community Project Funding requests submitted by Congressman Smith.

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