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A: We do not currently have a name for this project but expect to determine one after <br />funding is secured. <br />INVOLVEMENT AND <br />13. Q: How willthe housing project benefit our community? <br />A: New affordable housing units will benefit the greater Ellensburg community by <br />creating a more stable and connected community close to service and retailjob <br />opportunities. People who are stably housed are more likely to engage positively with <br />the people and places around them. Providing housing stability and easing the housing <br />cost burden for low-income households through this project will allow these households <br />to re-invest in the community socially and financially. The Ellensburg community-at- <br />large will also gain a sense of place by working together to meet the needs of some of <br />our most vulnerable populations and treating them with respect and dignity. <br />14. Q: Why do we need more housing for people experiencing homelessness or those <br />experiencing housing instability? <br />A: On average, there are approximately 45 homeless households in Kittitas County at <br />any given time, 20 of which are in temporary housing/shelter units. Many of these <br />households are in shelters awaiting an affordable housing option to become available. <br />The demand for affordable housing in the county far exceeds the availability. Population <br />increase in Ellensburg is outpacing Affordable Housing production; to keep up with <br />demand, we would need an additional 330 units of new housing per year. <br />15. Q: How will this project address Ellensburg's housing needs? <br />A: The Ellensburg Housing Needs Assessment shows a clear need for one-bedroom <br />apartments to relieve the housing cost burden. As of 201-7, about 70% of all households <br />in Ellensburg have only 1 or 2 members. Yet only 28% of housing units offered are <br />studios or 1-bedroom. The lack of smaller-format housing can pose a barrier to many <br />people living alone or with a partner who do not need or cannot afford a large home. <br />16. Q: What are the long-term benefits of this project and how will it impact our <br />community's broader housing challenges? <br />A: Overall, the provision of new housing units will help relieve the bottleneck of <br />homeless services throughout Ellensburg and move the community toward lower <br />overall housing cost burdens. lt will remain affordable housing for a minimum of at least <br />40 years following the funding and construction of the units.