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The Channel Cove complex, managed by Home Trust of Skagit County, will have $336,144 in Washington state Department of Commerce Housing Preservation Program funding. Statewide, 31 low-income housing complexes were awarded $19.9 million Commerce posted on its website.

Repairs will be made to 18 apartments at Channel Cove rented to people making 50% or less of the area median income.

In Skagit County, $1.6 million is being invested to upgrade 113 units in three complexes. Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington was awarded $667,010 for improvements to 15 of its units at La Casa de Santa Rosa in Sedro Woolley and the Urban Shelter America Group will receive $552,269 to aid 80 units at its Mount Vernon Ridgeview Terrace Senior Apartments.

The Department of Commerce made awards to preserve and repair 873 units of affordable housing in 14 counties of existing Housing Trust Fund multi-family rental projects. Over $56 million was applied for by 72 programs.

Awards were decided based on eligibility and the urgency of physical repairs.

“Repairs and maintenance costs play a bigger role than ever in preserving affordable housing,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong in a news release. “Housing Preservation Program investments are an important way to extend the service of affordable housing that is already available, ensuring these projects can serve communities around the state for generations.”

Lack of affordable housing is directly related to homelessness. The Department of Commerce estimates that Washington state needs to create 1.1 million new housing units over the next 20 years to keep up with the projected need for housing at all income levels.