Frequently Asked Questions
- What is St. Andrew’s Housing Group (SAHG)?
SAHG is a community based non-profit organization (501(C) (3)) that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with limited income on King County’s Eastside, empowering these families to succeed by providing housing and access to services while strengthening local communities and encouraging diversity
- How does an individual or family qualify for affordable housing?
To qualify for low-income housing, your income must fall below 60% of the area median income. Currently, 95% of SAHG’s residents have household incomes below 50% of the area’s median income.
- How many facilities does SAHG own and where?
SAHG owns 10 properties including a new build project underway now. Our properties are located in Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, Mercer Island and Kirkland.
- Who are the leaders at SAHG?
* An 8-person staff including an executive director, executive assistant and housing development, fund development and asset management teams.
* A 18-member board with backgrounds in commercial, industrial and mixed-use housing construction and management, commercial and nonprofit real estate development, community development finance and real estate law.
* Over 150 community volunteers
- Does SAHG have a website?
Yes! Log on to www.sahg.org where you can find out more about our mission, strategic plan, upcoming events and current properties.
- Is my donation to SAHG tax deductible?
Yes. If tax ID number is needed, please contact our Director of Fund Development at jenniferd@sahg.org
- Is SAHG a faith-based organization?
The short answer is no. The longer answer is that St. Andrew's Housing Group was originally started by members of Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church in 1987 but became independently incorporated in 1989. Although St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church remains a loyal supporter and formerly housed the SAHG office, our organization is in no way affiliated with the religious missions of the church.
- How many people are currently living in SAHG units?
SAHG manages 325 affordable units that serve more than 800 individuals, including 347 children and 121 seniors. SAHG also provides 22 units of transitional housing for individuals transitioning out of shelter living.
- What kind of diversity is in SAHG’s units?
SAHG recognizes the importance of diversity and is committed to creating communities that do not discriminate on any basis. Fifty-six percent of residents are Caucasian (which includes European and Russian immigrants), 24% are Asian, 11% are Hispanic and 4% are African-American
- Why the Eastside? I thought everyone there was rich!
Consider the following statistics:
* In East King County, 14% of households (nearly 20,000) are low income. Almost 5% of Eastside inhabitants live below the poverty line
* A person in King County has to earn $22.40 per hour, more than twice the state minimum wage, to afford to rent a modest two-bedroom home
* Even though 13% of Eastside households earn less than 30% of median income, less than 1% of Eastside housing units are affordable to that income group.
* Eastside cities are currently achieving fewer than 40% of its goals for low-income housing.