Housing Trust Fund Program (HTF)

Since 1986, the state’s Housing Trust Fund has invested over $2 billion in capital funding and helped build or preserve more than 58,600 affordable housing units statewide. The Washington Legislature makes biennial appropriations in the capital budget and directs the Department on how to invest the funds. The Housing Trust Fund provides capital financing through loans or grants to affordable housing projects through annual competitive application cycles.

Are you eligible for funding?

Housing Trust Fund dollars support a wide range of capital projects that house diverse low-income populations.

• Properties financed by the program can house people earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income, but most of these properties house households with special needs or incomes below 30% of the Area Median Income. This includes people and families experiencing homelessness, people needing supportive housing, seniors, veterans, farmworkers, and people with developmental or other disabilities.
• Special-needs projects coordinate with state and local service providers to ensure clients receive appropriate housing and services.

Chapter One, Section 105 of the Housing Trust Fund Handbook (PDF) lists the kinds of organizations and activities eligible for Housing Trust Fund funding.

How to apply for funding

The Housing Trust Fund program makes funds available for affordable housing projects through a competitive application process. Applications are generally accepted once a year, but timing and frequency can vary depending on the size and nature of appropriations to the program by the Legislature.

For current funding opportunities, please visit the Funding Opportunities for Multifamily Rental Housing webpage. 

Resources