ST. MICHAEL’S HAVEN

Walla Walla, WA

Tom and Dave, residents of St. Michael’s Haven, Walla Walla, WA. PC: WSHFC

St. Michael’s Haven opened mid-2016 on a portion of the Jonathan Wainwright VA Medical Center Campus at the historic Fort Walla Walla in eastern Washington State. The 40-unit affordable permanent supportive housing community targeting homeless veterans and their families was developed by Catholic Housing Services of Eastern Washington (CHSEW), a unit of Catholic Charities Spokane.

St. Michael’s Haven includes the adaptive re-use of four 1858 officers’ quarters buildings into 24 homes, with an additional 16 homes newly constructed in an adjacent two buildings on the site. The property serves individuals and families through 22 one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom units, and 8 three-bedroom units. Four existing garage buildings have been retained or rebuilt for common area purposes such as provision of social services, training programs, community gatherings and recreational opportunities. The development meets Green Globes certification energy efficiency standards for building envelopes and mechanical systems, and building exteriors conform to State Historic Preservation Office standards.

Supportive services are provided to residents by the VA and the Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC). BMAC is a local nonprofit which manages the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, a VA sponsored program to prevent homelessness among veterans and promote housing stability. BMAC’s services include outreach, case management, and assistance with obtaining VA and other benefits such as health care, daily living assistance, personal financial planning, transportation, legal help, child care, and housing counseling.

Photo and property details compliments of RBC Community Investments. For more information, contact Stacie Altmann, Regional Director, RBC Community Investments.

Learn more about how the Housing Credit serves veterans here.