Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Groundbreaking of Affordable Housing Community in Burien

Burien WA - On Tuesday August 13, 2024, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County celebrated the groundbreaking of the Miller’s Creek Community, located at 511 S. 136th St. in Burien.

According to Habitat for Humanity, “when finished, this project will be one of Habitat SKKC’s largest projects to-date and offer 40 hard-working, low-income families the long-term financial stability, independence, and equity-building that homeownership provides.” Habitat has committed to 20 units at an average of 50% AMI and 20 units at or below 80% AMI. 

The event began with a welcome from Brett D’Antonio, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (SKKC). We had the opportunity to interview him ahead of the ceremony. He told us that he would love to see a large number of the new buyers be existing Burien residents.

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Speakers on Tuesday included County Executive Dow Constantine, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (U.S. Rep. 7th District), Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling, and Councilmember Linda Akey. New Habitat Homebuyer Racquael Grace also shared her heartfelt story of working with Habitat to finally achieve her dream of home ownership for her and her family.

Mayor Schilling was on the Burien Council who partnered with Habitat to bring this Affordable Housing Pilot Program of family-sized townhouses, so he was excited to see that the project was finally underway.

CM Linda Akey was pleased to be part of the Council as they continue to support affordable housing in Burien. She told us later that she “absolutely loves what Habitat for Humanity does to help families.”

The day was filled with golden shovels, celebratory Habitat employees, and many happy supporters.

Habitat plans to welcome the first 10 families home in Summer 2025. 

‍Additional Project Details:

• Designed to engender community growth, a playground will be incorporated into a neighborhood that is within walking distance to schools, shops, and services.
• Over the last two years, water, sewer, power, curbs and gutters have already been installed; home foundations are underway.
• The groundbreaking marks the day vertical building commences. 

‍Funding and Partners:

It is through the tremendous support from Habitat’s partners in the battle for affordable housing - The National Housing Trust, The Washington State Housing Trust Fund, King County HOME, Connecting Housing to Infrastructure, King County, South King Housing & Homeless Partners, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, and Washington Trust Bank – that this new community is possible. 

Miller’s Creek is part of the Habitat Land Trust, to ensure permanent affordability for future generations and families. In an area with an average home price over $850,000 and rising, these homes will ensure that working individuals and families continue to have a place to build their lives in Seattle. 

‍About Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties:
Around the world, Habitat for Humanity brings people together as volunteers, homeowners, donors, and community members to create strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter and was named one of Morning Consult’s Most Trusted Brands 2022. 

Locally, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties constructs affordable homes, revitalizes neighborhoods, repairs homes for low-income people and seniors, operates discount home improvement stores in Auburn, Southcenter, Bellevue, and Ellensburg, mobilizes nearly 2,500 volunteers a year. 

Habitat SKKC advocates for safe and affordable housing solutions for all people at the state, county, and city level. Learn more at www.Habitatskc.org.