South Sound Housing Affordability Partners approve first investment to build affordable homes

May 30, 2025

The South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (SSHA³P) approved their first major investment to help build affordable housing in Pierce County.

The group voted to commit up to $966,000 to support the future construction of up to 28 homes for families earning below 80% of the average median income. The homes will be built on 4.22-acres of land in the Frederickson area that was acquired by the Pierce County Community Development Corporation last year. 

“This is a big step for our region,” said Kevin Ballard, Chair of SSHA³P and a DuPont City Councilmember. “For the first time, local governments have pooled their housing resources through SSHA³P to directly impact the development of new, permanently affordable homes.”

This first public investment for the project provides critical support for its future success. Projects that have proven support (aka financial backing) from local jurisdictions are often selected for future funding opportunities. This first-time pooling of funding will catalyze the further funding needed to create more affordable housing. 

Funding comes from several local governments, including the cities of Auburn, Fife, and Sumner, and from Pierce County. Construction is expected to start in 2027, after a housing developer is chosen later this year.

“Working together through SSHA³P helps us create more housing options across the region,” Ballard said. “We’re excited to see this first project move forward—and more to come.”

Local leaders respond to SSHA³P investment
“Affordable housing isn’t just a regional issue – it’s a local concern driven by necessity,” said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. “In Auburn, like so many communities across Pierce and South King Counties, families are being priced out of the neighborhoods they’ve long called home. This investment is proof that when we work together, we can build and invest in a future where everyone has the opportunity to live and thrive right here in the South Sound.”

“This first investment by the SSHA³P Housing Capital Fund is the result of years of collaboration and planning,” said Fife Mayor Kim Roscoe. “It reflects our regional commitment to addressing the housing affordability crisis and sets the stage for future projects that benefit the residents of all SSHA³P member cities.”