St. Stephen Housing Association (SSHA) was founded in 1989, when parishioners at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Parish came together in response to a growing number of families experiencing homelessness in their community. What began as a grassroots effort rooted in compassion and service soon grew into an independent nonprofit organization, formally established as a 501(c)(3) with an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
In its early years, SSHA leased nine three-bedroom homes from the King County Housing Authority at Nike Manor, a former military housing site in Kent. In 2001, the organization expanded its capacity by purchasing a 12-unit townhouse complex in Auburn, made possible through grants from state, county, and local municipalities.
Beginning in 2020, SSHA partnered with King County through the Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program in response to an unprecedented housing stability crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next three years, SSHA helped more than 2,000 households remain stably housed by providing critical rental assistance during times of financial hardship. When federal emergency assistance programs concluded in 2023, SSHA established its own rental assistance program to continue supporting households in South King County—a program that remains active today.
In 2025, SSHA further expanded its continuum of care by contracting with King County to provide three units of permanent supportive housing for families transitioning out of homelessness. These units offer long-term stability paired with supportive services, reflecting SSHA’s commitment to meeting families where they are and supporting lasting housing success.
Also in 2025, SSHA entered into a strategic merger with Way Back Inn, a long-standing and respected provider of transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. This merger brought together two organizations with shared values and complementary strengths, allowing SSHA to expand capacity, strengthen programs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of services.
Today, St. Stephen Housing Association provides 30 units of housing for vulnerable families and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community, guided by a steadfast belief that stable housing is the foundation for healthy families and thriving communities.
Our History
St. Stephen Housing Association (SSHA) was founded in 1989, when parishioners at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Parish came together in response to a growing number of families experiencing homelessness in their community. What began as a grassroots effort rooted in compassion and service soon grew into an independent nonprofit organization, formally established as a 501(c)(3) with an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
In its early years, SSHA leased nine three-bedroom homes from the King County Housing Authority at Nike Manor, a former military housing site in Kent. In 2001, the organization expanded its capacity by purchasing a 12-unit townhouse complex in Auburn, made possible through grants from state, county, and local municipalities.
Beginning in 2020, SSHA partnered with King County through the Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program in response to an unprecedented housing stability crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next three years, SSHA helped more than 2,000 households remain stably housed by providing critical rental assistance during times of financial hardship. When federal emergency assistance programs concluded in 2023, SSHA established its own rental assistance program to continue supporting households in South King County—a program that remains active today.
In 2025, SSHA further expanded its continuum of care by contracting with King County to provide three units of permanent supportive housing for families transitioning out of homelessness. These units offer long-term stability paired with supportive services, reflecting SSHA’s commitment to meeting families where they are and supporting lasting housing success.
Also in 2025, SSHA entered into a strategic merger with Way Back Inn, a long-standing and respected provider of transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. This merger brought together two organizations with shared values and complementary strengths, allowing SSHA to expand capacity, strengthen programs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of services.
Today, St. Stephen Housing Association provides 30 units of housing for vulnerable families and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community, guided by a steadfast belief that stable housing is the foundation for healthy families and thriving communities.
Financials