South Hill Catholic Charities apartment complex raising rent, leaving residents concerned

People who are on fixed incomes are now having to adjust their monthly budget to continue to afford the apartment.

People who live at the 55th Avenue apartment complex say they are concerned about recent rent increases. One person says her rent would go up by over 40%. She now has to find other ways to afford her grocery and medical bills.

"I'm feeling like I'm getting squeezed out of affordable housing," Lesa, a woman who lives at the 55th Avenue apartment complex, said.

Lesa has lived at the 55th Avenue apartment complex for three years. In late February, she received an unexpected letter from Catholic Charities.

"We got formal notification on the 1st of March," Lesa said. "Rent increases are effective [on] May 1st."

It's an increase that would hike up her $600 dollar monthly rent to over $900.

Catholic Charities released the following statement on the matter:

"Catholic Housing Communities (CHC) is committed to providing safe, high quality, and affordable housing opportunities for families, seniors, veterans, and other people across Eastern Washington. Residents in some of our housing communities have been notified of rent increases that will become effective in 2024. The decision to adjust rents is driven by the need to ensure our properties are well-maintained and are aligned to the highest standards of safety, equity, and livability for residents. To make certain residents have ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss these changes, we are holding all-resident meetings in every building where residents may be affected by rent increases. Our staff are also going door to door for in-person contact with residents regarding the notices.    

In many cases, these increases will be fully covered by the vouchers that pay portions of a resident’s monthly rent. In those cases the amounts residents contribute directly will remain unchanged. We also celebrate the achievements of our residents, and we recognize that many have experienced increases in their income due to the stability they have realized from our housing and supportive services. In instances where residents’ income has changed, their rents will be adjusted following the guidelines set by applicable federal subsidy programs. This approach reflects our dedication to maintaining fair and equitable housing communities that create access and connection to services while empowering individual/family growth and financial stability.  

Residents have been notified that if they experience financial hardship due to rent changes, they should contact their Property Manager to discuss options tailored to their specific situation. These changes will close the gap between current voucher rates and actual operating costs, ensuring our housing can remain viable, affordable, and accessible to people in Eastern Washington for decades to come."

"Each of our housing communities have different maintenance and operational needs depending on the age, design, and layout of building components," Catholic Charities said. "In some cases that could certainly mean a need for security equipment, but it could also mean the need for weatherization or updated water/electrical systems."

"People like me without a voucher... I just wonder [if] they can increase the rent on [a] more gradual basis," Lesa said.

The organization says rent increases will be fully covered by housing vouchers. All residents, regardless of coucher status, should contact their property manager to discuss their needs.

"What am I supposed to do?" Lesa said. "Where am I going to find another place to live [that] I can afford?" 

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