For more information contact:
Beratta Gomillion, Center for Human Services, Executive Director, (206) 362-7282
Rhonda Rosenberg, KCHA, Communications Director, (206) 574-1185

December 6, 2004

TRANSFORMATION OF BALLINGER HOMES AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER IS CELEBRATED

SHORELINE - With thermal windows, new roofs and handsome, two-tone siding, Ballinger Homes is some of the best looking housing on Ballinger Way. Visitors might be surprised that Ballinger is public housing, but they shouldn’t be. As part of its strategy to preserve and upgrade its entire portfolio of public housing, the King County Housing Authority has completed $4.2 million worth renovations to the 110-unit family development in Shoreline.

In addition to housing improvements, the development built in 1969 has new, improved surface water drainage and the community building has been remodeled to accommodate a wide range of services for the residents. To celebrate the recently completed transformation, the King County Housing Authority and the Center for Human Services are hosting an open house at the Ballinger Homes Family Support Center, in the community building at 2200 Northeast 201st Place on Monday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ballinger Homes after renovations

“There is a critical need for affordable apartments in Shoreline, especially for larger families requiring three-, four- or five-bedroom apartments,” said Stephen Norman, executive director of the King County Housing Authority. “With the renovation of Ballinger Homes, the Authority has revitalized and ensured the future of this public housing community. With the remodel of the Family Support Center, the Authority provides a setting that both helps children to succeed in school and their parents to develop job skills that will make them economically self-sufficient. This comprehensive approach – combining stable, attractive housing with vital human services – will ensure that struggling families have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

The Housing Authority collaborates with a variety of partners, including the Center for Human Services, the City of Shoreline and Shoreline Community College, to help Ballinger Homes families. At the Ballinger Homes Family Support Center, children get help with their homework as well as social and recreational opportunities. The Shoreline Parks and Recreation Department serves teens in the community by providing supervised after-school activities for them. An outreach worker from Shoreline Community College assists residents with their educational and employment goals.

“In these tough economic times, it’s great to be part of a partnership working together to help improve the futures and enrich the lives of many families who have such limited financial resources,” said Center for Human Services Executive Director Beratta Gomillion. “The Ballinger Homes Family Support Center offers the Homework Factory, a Youth Summer Enrichment Program, a school-readiness program, cultural celebrations, computer access with Internet accessibility, information/referral services and much more.”

KCHA administers a range of quality affordable rental and homeownership programs for residents of King County. The Authority serves more than 17,000 families, elderly and disabled households on a daily basis.

In addition to the Ballinger Homes Family Support Center, the Center for Human Services operates the Shoreline Family Support Center and the Northshore Family Center as well as provides family counseling and substance abuse services for families living in North King County or South Snohomish County.

Shoreline Mayor Ron Hansen, King County Housing Authority

Executive Director Stephen Norman and

Center for Human Services Executive Director Beratta Gomillion

will make brief remarks around 11:30 a.m.