Our History
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Modest Beginning
Based on the petition of 278 concerned citizens, the Housing Authority of Snohomish County was founded on May 6, 1971 to provide housing for South County senior citizens. Our three Snohomish County Commissioners at the time authorized HASCO’s volunteer board to administer 75 federally funded housing vouchers through the King County Housing Authority. That arrangement continued through 1978.
Snohomish County grew steadily during that seven-year period. Several towns transitioned from rural to suburban and small city status. HASCO hired its first Director in December 1978 to address the growing need for lower cost housing that accompanied regional growth and economic shifts.
Between 1979 and the present, HASCO won multiple awards for housing and service excellence.
Between 1979 and the present, HASCO won multiple awards for housing and service excellence. By seeking and participating in partnerships we have continuously provided innovative programs to support our rapidly changing community.
In 1998, one of HASCO’s founders and the Board of Commissioners’ original Vice Chair, Leo Gese, was appointed Commissioner Emeritus. He faithfully attended and contributed to meetings well beyond our 40th anniversary.
As of HASCO’s 50th anniversary in 2021, we manage 4,100 housing vouchers, eight programs, a range of services supporting our housing clients and over 35 properties.
Why the expansion?
Life’s better in Snohomish County than a lot of places. People move here. Industries settle here. HASCO works to stay ahead of trends so people have places to live that are within their means despite economic fluctuations that influence what is—and isn’t available. The trends are troubling.
- Shortage of housing for all income levels
- Loss of housing for lower wage earners to developments created for high income earners
- Wage stagnation
- Shifts in economic drivers from production to a more service-based economy
We accurately predicted the rapid decrease in housing for people earning below-average wages and those with fixed incomes, like senior citizens and people with significant disabilities. While HASCO continues to generate solutions to our housing shortage, there’s a long way to go to ensure that all our neighbors have a place to call home. Read further to learn about our history.
Milestones
HASCO creates and preserves good quality housing for people living within low- and middle-income ranges. These careful investments add to local economies and allow HASCO to serve more people with housing and housing-related services.
Founded in 1971
King County HA administers small voucher program for Snohomish County.
First staff hired
Develops partnerships and new programs.
Builds several Public Housing properties.
Expands property portfolio
Expands property portfolio, creating housing for more demographics. Purchased and renovated existing multi-family housing, USDA Rural Development housing, and manufactured homes.
Expands voucher program
Expands voucher program, service-enriched housing and community partnerships.
Adds to property portfolio.
Renovates owned properties.
Adds new VASH program
Adds new VASH program vouchers for homeless veterans.
Expands property portfolio.
Renovates owned properties.
Positioned to win new vouchers
Positioned to win new vouchers as federal funds available.
Plans underway for property renovations.
Evaluating new partnerships, opportunities to acquire and provide more housing.
| 1980 | 4 | 300 |
| 1990 | 158 | 792 |
| 2000 | 1482 | 1658 |
| 2010 | 2003 | 2997 |
| 2020 | 2439 | 3860 |
| 2021 | 2439 | 4100 |
Awards
Throughout our history, HASCO has been recognized for efficient management, program innovation, human service and property stewardship from a variety of federal, national and local organizations, such as those that follow.
- Human Services Council
- NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials)
- National Association of Counties
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
