Frequently Asked Questions
Plymouth Housing Group was started in 1980 by the committed members of Plymouth Congregational Church. Led by Reverend David Colwell, the church members decided that they needed to do something about the growing issue of homelessness in the community. They created a separate 501 (c) 3 charitable corporation in 1980, Plymouth Housing Group, to own and operate homeless housing.
Are you part of Plymouth Congregational Church?
Plymouth was created by the compassionate members of Plymouth Congregational Church in 1980, but today we are a separate non-profit entity with a Community Board of Trustees.
Yes, Plymouth Housing Group is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation. Tax I.D. # 91-1122621.
How many people live in Plymouth Buildings?
Today, approximately 1,000 people live in 12 Plymouth buildings that we own and operate. Another 600 people live in market-rate housing administered by Plymouth through the Shelter Plus Care Program, which is a King County/Federal Government housing program.
Is this permanent or temporary housing?
Plymouth provides permanent housing. As long as a resident meets the criteria for residency, they can remain living in our apartments.
Do you have to be homeless to live at Plymouth?
For the most part, in order to live in a Plymouth apartment a person must meet the criteria of being chronically homeless with an income below 30% of median local income. We have a few apartments in our more independent buildings that can be rented to people who meet the criteria of being just “low-income.” To contact our Rental Office, email rentaloffice@plymouthhousing.org or click here.
How do people obtain Plymouth housing?
There are two ways for people to receive housing. The first is through “set-aside” partnerships with local agencies such as Harborview Mental Health or the Lifelong AIDS Alliance. We reserve approximately 50% of our apartments for their clients and when we have a vacancy, they step forward to fill it with a needy client. The other 50% of our residents are people who apply to our Rental Office. If we have a vacancy and a person meets the criteria for housing, he or she will be offered an apartment. Our waiting list for housing is 800 people long and the average wait time is 2 years.
Are most of your residents disabled, or are they able to work?
The majority of our residents are disabled by chronic conditions such as mental illness, HIV/AIDS, physical disabilities, severe medical conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the effects of aging and poverty. Only about 20% of our residents are able to be employed in some fashion.
Plymouth’s work is funded through many sources—Federal Government Section 8 housing subsidies, tenant rents, commercial rents, government service grants, United Way grants and donations from corporations, foundations and individuals. You will find our complete financial information on this site.
Yes, each resident is required to pay 30% of their income for rent. For instance, if a resident’s income is $100 month, he or she pays Plymouth $33.
How much does it cost Plymouth to provide a home to one person annually?
It costs approximately $12,000 a year to provide a home at Plymouth as opposed to a cost of $50,000 a year to provide a hospital bed or jail cell.
Plymouth Housing Group serves chronically homeless adults who are 18 years old and above. Approximately 75% are men and 25% women. About 10% are military service veterans and approximately 55% are deemed mentally ill.
Do you allow drugs and alcohol in your buildings?
Plymouth Housing Group subscribes to the “housing first” philosophy which recognizes that no one can regain stability or address their health issues until they have a permanent place to live. Residents are not required to be clean and sober when they enter housing, but our social services staff works with residents to create a counseling plan to help them address their addiction issues. We have a no-tolerance policy for drug dealing in our buildings.
Do you allow residents to gather and loiter outside of the buildings?
We ask that our residents not loiter outside our buildings and provide community gathering spaces inside the buildings for meals and socializing. Part of our mission is to be a good neighbor and to keep our properties attractive and well-maintained.
Does Plymouth have a Board of Trustees?
As a non-profit, Plymouth is required to have a Board of Trustees. We have a 21 member Board composed of community and business leaders. We also have two Tenant Representatives on our Board.
How many people work at Plymouth Housing Group?
Plymouth Housing Group employs approximately 130 people.
Do you accept donations for your residents?
We gladly accept cash donations as well as donations of household goods and food to support our residents. Visit our How You Can Help section to learn more.
We depend upon our loyal volunteers to help in many areas. Some volunteer groups adopt buildings and provide community meals and recreational activities. Volunteers also help staff our Essential Supply Center for residents, and volunteer to help at our fundraising events. Visit our Volunteer section for more information on how you can help.
