SEATTLE – DESC’s North Star permanent supportive housing development that provides 100 homes for our neighbors experiencing homelessness has won a VISION 2050 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“The North Star is an outstanding example of how to create permanent supportive housing and the types of partnership that can bring homes for people experiencing homelessness to fruition,” said Josh Brown, Executive Director of PSRC. “One of the many innovations is the use of trauma-informed design principles to give residents a peaceful ambience that encourages community building.”

Located in the Bitter Lake neighborhood, the North Star features 100 studio units of permanent supportive housing with supportive services and indoor/outdoor community spaces for single adults who are disabled and formerly long-time homeless.

The award will be presented at the DESC Board Meeting on July 12, 2023.

DESC, Bellwether Housing, SMR Architects, Exxel Pacific, Bank of America, King County Health and Housing, City of Seattle Office of Housing, Enterprise Community Partners, and the Washington State Department of Commerce worked together to complete this project.

VISION 2050 is the region’s plan for growth. By 2050, the region’s population will reach 5.8 million people. The region’s cities, counties, Tribes, ports, agencies, businesses, and communities have worked together to develop VISION 2050 to prepare for this growth and serve as a guide for sustaining a healthy environment, thriving communities and a strong economy.