Home Fund

San Juan County Health & Community Services administers the Home Fund program, a locally funded affordable housing initiative established after voter approval in 2018. The program is supported through a Real Estate Excise Tax allowing the County to invest in the development and preservation of affordable housing across its jurisdiction. Since its inception, the program has contributed over $16 million toward multiple housing developments, resulting in both completed and pipeline housing units serving low- and moderate-income residents. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that increase the availability and sustainability of affordable housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households, as well as individuals with special needs. The program seeks to build a pipeline of eligible housing projects for funding consideration in the 2026 cycle. Eligible activities include acquisition of land or existing housing, new construction, rehabilitation of housing units, and ongoing operations and maintenance. Both rental housing and homeownership projects are supported, reflecting a broad commitment to addressing diverse housing needs within the community. The funding round makes a total of $3,700,000 available for allocation. Awards will be distributed to selected projects based on evaluation criteria aligned with Washington State’s Combined Funds Application framework. While specific award amounts per project are not defined, applicants are expected to present comprehensive project proposals that clearly justify requested funding and demonstrate readiness, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, private for-profit affordable housing developers, and public agencies. This inclusive eligibility structure allows a wide range of entities to participate, provided they demonstrate capacity to deliver affordable housing outcomes. Applicants are required to determine the appropriate application materials based on their project type, as not all sections of the application apply universally. The application process includes multiple narrative and technical components, as well as required supplemental documentation and certifications. Applications must be submitted between June 1, 2026 and July 13, 2026. All submissions must include a San Juan County-specific cover page in addition to the standardized Combined Funds Application materials. Applicants are encouraged to schedule pre-application meetings with program staff to clarify requirements, confirm eligibility, and ensure proper alignment with funding priorities. These meetings are optional but strongly recommended to improve application quality and competitiveness. Following submission, applications will be reviewed and scored according to established criteria, with funding decisions expected to be announced by the San Juan County Council in late Fall 2026. The program also incorporates Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards requirements where applicable, ensuring that funded projects meet environmental and sustainability benchmarks. For assistance, applicants may contact the Housing Program Coordinator, Ryan Page, via email or phone for guidance throughout the process.

Schedule a pre application meeting to clarify requirements and ensure correct forms; ensure all required documentation is complete to avoid disqualification