There is a disconnect between the high level of homelessness in Seattle and the high number of affordable housing units that are sitting unused at the moment. As of the end of last year, nearly 11% of affordable housing in the city were empty – more than 2700 apartments. .

That’s more than five times the number of vacancies compared to 7 years ago. 

So what happened? 

Well, for many, affordable housing is, ironically, no longer the affordable option. A flattening of rents overall has made these units less desirable than many other market rate options. But even though these units are sitting empty, it’s unlikely they will be opened for Seattle’s growing homeless population. 

Guest: Seattle Times homelessness reporter Greg Kim

Links:

Why thousands of Seattle’s affordable-housing apartments became vacant

Homeless people visited ER less after moving into King County’s hotels

Bracing for cuts, King County Housing Authority pulls back

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