News FeaturesVeterans Levy Helps Build Lake City Housing for Veterans "McDermott Place is all about dignity, self-respect, and self-worth. These 75 affordable housing units will stand in affirmation to the principles and values that matter to us as a community, especially our determination to honor and care for our soldiers." - Congressman Jim McDermott Grand Opening Dec. 12 More than 100 members of the Lake City community, elected officials, and veterans gathered on December 12, 2009 to celebrate the grand opening of McDermott Place, an affordable housing development for low-income and homeless individuals in Lake City. Guests of honor were U.S. Representative Jim McDermott and his wife, Therese Hansen. Developed by the Low Income Housing Institute, McDermott Place creates critically needed housing in North Seattle. Named for Congressman McDermott, it provides 75 permanent affordable housing units for homeless individuals, with 38 units designated specifically for veterans. Supportive services, including employment and job training, will be provided at the site. This housing development would not have been possible without extensive regional funding collaboration and public-private partnerships. The King County Veterans and Human Services Levy contributed $1.48 million to the project, coordinating with other funders such as the City of Seattle, the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, and many others. King County also provided a five-year, $1.2 million award from the Homeless Housing and Services Fund. The ground floor tenant for McDermott Place is North Helpline, which will provide a new Lake City food bank and a free medical clinic staffed by RotaCare volunteers. King County contributed $270,000 to help fund the new North Helpline site. 
McDermott Place Grand Opening in Lake City.
From left to right, Bill Wood, Therese Hansen McDermott, U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, Doug Hoople, and Joe Ingram. Wood, Hoople and Ingram are all veterans and board members for the Veterans and Human Services Levy.
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