SHAG

This article is sponsored by SHAG -- Sustainable Housing for Ageless Generations

For over 30 years, SHAG has been known for providing quality, affordable independent senior housing throughout the Puget Sound region.

Now the non-profit organization is bringing a new definition to its mission.

While the venerable company continues to offer below market rent to income-qualified seniors, they now also welcome residents without maximum income limitations. The fresh focus allows SHAG to expand the services and amenities it offers through affiliations with other senior housing sponsors—and the renewed SHAG might just surprise you.

With 18 communities and growing, SHAG’s latest quest is reflected in a name change—same acronym, new intention: Sustainable Housing for Ageless Generations.

Live well and stay happy

SHAG views sustainable housing as the ability to live securely and comfortably within a budget while also being supported through amenities and services. More than simple independent living, the communities offer supportive service teams that connect residents to local services—anything from food pantries to transportation needs to accessing health and home care services, or even economic support. These services are intended to help residents age in place at SHAG even as their needs change. This is accomplished, in part, through SHAG’s Community Life Foundation—created to meet residents’ vital needs that might otherwise go unmet

At the same time, the mission has expanded to offer a wider range of amenities.

As Covid restrictions begin to lift, SHAG offers plenty of ways to connect at all the communities, including cozy gathering spaces, shared outdoor spaces and a busy calendar of social activities. But the newer communities offer much more: fitness rooms with low-impact exercise equipment, media rooms with theater style seating, craft and game rooms, a business hub with free wi-fi, pea patch gardens, walking tracks and pet areas. Activities may range from yoga, book clubs and potlucks, to computer, art or cooking classes. Most communities now offer shuttles for shopping and other outings like viewing the tulip fields, visiting the Museum of Glass, or any number of popular destinations.

The new buildings themselves are sustainable and energy efficient communities. Keeping in line with sustainability, a unique feature at some SHAG buildings is the ability to check out the community’s electric car for a few hours a day. SHAG carries the insurance, so drivers don’t need it. This program is only $30 a year.

“More than just an apartment, people move here for the social interaction,” says Leslie Snider, a long time leasing specialist with SHAG. “Residents can make friends, and that is a big part of the appeal.”

She adds that SHAG’s attraction is a combination of reasonable rental costs, easy ways to make friends, as well as the amenities and services. Add to that, SHAG locations are convenient to bus stops, grocery shopping, pharmacies and medical services.

“In the past, people looking for a nice, affordable place to live but making more than was allowed through the tax credit program meant they weren’t able to apply to SHAG,” says Leslie. “Now everyone can apply.”

SHAG—Sustainable Housing for Ageless Generations—says, “Live life your way, in a community of friends, with the freedom to enjoy pursuits that make you happy.”

With 18 communities and growing, SHAG might offer just the home you are looking for. Current locations range from West Seattle to Bellevue, from Mountlake Terrace to Tacoma— with more in the pipeline. For more information, call 833-887-7424 or visit www.Housing4Seniors.com.

MORE INFORMATION

While market rate apartment rentals are now available to all without income limitations, SHAG continues to offer below market rent to income-qualified seniors through the Tax Credit program.

Income limits for Tax Credit properties are calculated annually by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The income limit for an affordable housing program is the maximum amount of income a household can earn to qualify to receive assistance.

The specific figure is based on the city or county's Area Median Income (AMI), and is adjusted depending on how many persons live in the household.

King County's 2021 Median Income Limits

50% 1 person $41,800

50% 2 person $47,800

60% 1 person $50,160

60% 2 person $57,360