Grand Opening of Rosie's Tiny House Village, Wednesday, July 2 at 11:00am, 12201 Aurora Ave N, Seattle

LIHI is pleased to announce the grand opening of the new location of Rosie’s Village, a tiny house village that was originally located in the University District on Sound Transit property at 45th and Roosevelt Way NE that is currently being developed into affordable housing.  The new location at 12201 Aurora Ave N. includes 37 tiny houses for people experiencing homelessness and will include 24/7 staffing, a community kitchen, bathrooms, laundry facilities, offices for case managers, staff parking, and a security pavilion. 

Rosie’s Village will operate as an enhanced shelter, providing a pathway to permanent housing for 40-50 individuals who have been living unsheltered. On-site case managers will assist clients to obtain identification, to apply for income support, and to access healthcare, supportive services, employment, and housing.

The village is conveniently located on the Rapid Ride E Line with easy access to downtown and Shoreline, and is near shopping, amenities and services including the Bitter Lake Community Center and UW Medical Center. 

Rosie’s Village is sponsored by Truevine of Holiness Missionary Baptist Church in partnership with LIHI. “Tiny houses are a highly sought after form of shelter for people living on the streets. Thank you to Rev. Lawrence Willis for sponsoring this village in its new location. We look forward to serving Bitterlake, Greenlake, the U-District and other Seattle neighborhoods,” said Sharon Lee, LIHI Executive Director. 

Each tiny house is 8’ x 12’, insulated and has electricity, heat and A/C. A fence surrounds the village to ensure privacy and security for program participants. LIHI staff are available on-site 24/7 to manage operations, ensure safety, and provide supportive services. Clients follow a code of conduct and are referred to the program by the City of Seattle’s Unified Care Team.

LIHI will establish a Community Advisory Council (CAC) consisting of local residents, business owners, faith leaders, and community representatives. This council will meet monthly to offer input and oversight for the village. Meetings will be open to the public. Additionally, there will be various opportunities for community members to volunteer, donate, help prepare meals, and welcome new neighbors to Rosie’s Village.

Tiny houses are a cost-effective and innovative solution to the homelessness crisis. The City of Seattle, KCRHA, and various donors, provide funding for the village. The majority of the tiny houses on the site were constructed by volunteers from Sound Foundations NW. Pre-apprentices and high school students also built some of the tiny houses. LIHI staff, volunteers, and donors furnished the tiny houses.

The Low Income Housing Institute is a nonprofit housing organization committed to providing affordable housing for families and individuals in need. LIHI has a portfolio of over 3,700 affordable apartments. LIHI sponsors 14 tiny house villages in King County. In 2024, 1,415 people moved into tiny houses. King County has over 9,000 people living unsheltered on the streets and in vehicles. Tragically last year 359 people died while homeless. For more information about LIHI, visit www.lihihousing.org.