Pathways to Removing Obstacles (PRO Housing)
Pathways to Removing Obstacles (HUD PRO Housing)
In 2024 the Seattle Office of Housing (OH) and the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) received $5 million from the federal HUD PRO Housing program to help fight displacement and housing instability for lower-income residents. Funds will be made available via Requests for Proposals (RFPs) posted here. The programs described below will be implemented over the next few years and outcomes will be achieved by the funding deadline of September 2029.
You can view the Seattle PRO Housing application by clicking this link.
Stabilizing Tenants through Affordable Homeownership (OH Lead)
Our funding supports the Homeownership as Preservation (HOP) program. This program focuses on preserving affordable housing and helping low-income residents become homeowners. We will identify buildings with potential for tenant purchase and work with non-profit partners to organize residents. This initiative aims to make Seattle more inclusive and resilient, ensuring renters can afford to stay in their homes and invest in their communities for the long-term.
For information about this program contact Erika Malone at erika.malone@seattle.gov.
Supporting Legacy Homeowners Address Barriers to Redevelopment (OPCD Lead)
The Legacy Homeowner Program helps homeowners overcome challenges when adding housing to their properties. This is important as zoning changes will soon allow more housing options under the One Seattle Plan. We will offer technical help, pre-development support, and connections to resources. Our aim is to help homeowners, especially those at risk of losing their homes, leverage their property's value to achieve financial stability, benefit from development opportunities, and expand housing choices.
For information about this program contact Nick Welch at Nicolas.Welch@seattle.gov.
Request for Qualifications: Homeownership as Preservation (HOP) Program
The Homeownership as Preservation (HOP) program is a new pilot project by the Seattle Office of Housing (OH). The goal is to take older rental apartment buildings and turn them into permanent, affordable homes that people can buy. This helps keep housing affordable for the long term.
This program creates a clear path for owners to sell their buildings for this purpose. It also helps qualified nonprofit developers get funding to check if a building is right for the program.
Through this funding, we want to:
- Find buildings that can successfully become ownership units.
- Help nonprofit developers pay for the research needed to buy these buildings.
- Give current tenants a chance to buy their homes if they qualify.
- Help tenants who cannot or do not want to buy other housing.
Funding Available: Up to $300,000 per applicant.
Who Can Apply
We are looking for experienced developers who know how to create affordable homes that stay affordable for up to 99 years. To apply, your organization must meet these requirements:
- Experience: You must have developed and currently support at least 100 owner-occupied affordable homes.
- Funding History: You must have experience using federal money to build housing.
- Tenant Support: You need to show you can help renters become homeowners. This includes teaching first-time homebuyers and helping organize legal structures like condos or co-ops.
- Community Connection: You must have experience working respectfully with low-income communities and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in Seattle.
Who Cannot Apply
This opportunity is specific to experienced homeownership developers. You likely cannot apply if:
- You do not currently support a portfolio of at least 100 affordable ownership homes.
- You have never used federal funds for housing development.
How to Apply
To apply, you need to answer a series of questions in a narrative (written) format. Please do not just send a generic resume; answer the specific questions listed in the RFQ document.
Per the RFQ, applications must include organizational details, contact information, feasibility experience, assessment approach, tenant support, and organizational financials.
Submission:
Email your complete application and attachments to Joy Hunt at joy.hunt2@seattle.gov.
Important Deadlines
Please mark these dates on your calendar. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Funding Released: December 19, 2025
- Optional Info Session: January 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
- Email Joy Hunt for the link.
- Application Due: February 13, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
- Award Notification: February 27, 2026 (Anticipated)
More Information/Contact
If you have questions about this funding opportunity or the application process, please reach out to us. We are here to help clarify the requirements.
Contact Person: Joy Hunt
Email: joy.hunt2@seattle.gov