+ General FAQs

1. WHAT IS THE BLOCK PROJECT?

The BLOCK Project offers Seattle home-owners a tangible way to solve homelessness and join an incredible community. We partner with qualified home-owners to offer housing for someone exiting homelessness by building a beautiful home in their backyard. We provide a compassionate network of support, resources, and connection for both Host and Resident. Homes are funded by community donations, built by volunteers in a pre-fabrication workshop, and erected on-site in less than a week.

2. HOW IS THE BLOCK PROJECT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROJECTS ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS?

The BLOCK Project is unique in that it empowers YOU to transform values into action - in this case, permanent supportive housing. Unlike other transitional solutions (i.e. tiny homes) BLOCK Homes are permitted, fully equipped houses with a shower, bathroom, kitchenette, storage, and sleeping area. Moreover, these homes are built of quality materials that will last a lifetime, at ¼ the cost of traditional affordable housing, and take only months to develop as opposed to several years. Most importantly, The BLOCK Project invites us to come closer, to know one another, and to become part of the world we wish to see.

3. HOW DOES THE CITY REGULATE THESE HOMES?

Homes are permitted through the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs.) Homeowners do not pay property taxes on BLOCK Homes.

4. ARE THERE INCENTIVES FOR HOMEOWNERS?

The BLOCK Project offers homeowners the opportunity to actively live the Facing Homelessness mission in deliberate relationship building and community engagement as a pathway to ending homelessness. As a result, they join a growing community that models a holistic vision where homelessness does not exist. The BLOCK Project is designed to prevent, reduce, and eliminate any “burden” to the homeowner. The BLOCK Project builds and maintains the homes and manages the residency of each resident. Additionally, case managers are engaged to provide social and mental health services, allowing the homeowner to simply act as a compassionate friend to their new neighbor.

When our hosts are asked why they chose to have a BLOCK Home in their backyard they have said it is one of the easiest ways to get involved and make an impact around the issue of homelessness in Seattle. You can find out more about our program and our hosts here.

5. HOW MANY BLOCK HOMES DO YOU PLAN TO BUILD?

Seattle has approximately 40,000 eligible lots for DADUs, however our model moves at the pace of community, and relies on a beautiful network of engaged neighborhoods to grow. With sufficient host interest and funding, our fabrication workshop has the capacity to build one house per week. Help us achieve these goals!

6. WHAT IF A HOMEOWNER DECIDES TO MOVE?

Hosts are encouraged to think of the BLOCK Home as a permanent fixture in their yard and lives. We know that extenuating circumstances and major life changes can arise unexpectedly, and the lease accounts for such times. If a Host can no longer host a BLOCK Home, the BLOCK Home will be removed, and placed in a new prospective Host’s backyard.

7. IS THE BLOCK HOME PERMANENT?

The BLOCK Project is considered permanent housing because there is no predetermined end-date for the resident’s occupancy. Just as we would see with any neighbor, some Residents may stay for many years, while others will springboard to other opportunities.

8. HOW ARE RESIDENTS SELECTED AND SCREENED?

We partner with case-management agencies whose staff are trained by Facing Homelessnes to understand the details of our program so that they can refer candidates who will be set up for success within The BLOCK Project. Eligible candidates have working relationships with their Case Managers, and are independent, comfortable living alone and moving to a new neighborhood.

Prior to approval for BLOCK participation, potential Residents also engage in an interview with the BLOCK Community team so that staff can get to know each unique person and their circumstance, and discuss collaboratively the expectations and realities of the BLOCK Project Residency, available support, as well as the realities of each neighborhood dynamic and assess fit for each unique property.

9. DOES THE BLOCK HOME PUT ME OR ANYONE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AT RISK?

Our neighborhoods and communities are stronger when everyone has access to safe, affordable, housing. Homelessness is already a part of our neighborhoods and community. The BLOCK Project offers support to those formerly suffering on the streets, bringing added stability and equity to our communities. The fear and stigma that drive the narrative around homelessness fall away as we come close and open our lives to those who have experienced it.

In reality, most crimes that folks experiencing homelessness are charged with are crimes of survival- such as sleeping or sitting on private property, petty theft for needed food or water, or public urination/defecation when no public restrooms are made accessible. These charges reflect people’s need and drive to survive, as well as the huge lack of support for folks living unhoused. When people have access to housing and have their needs met, these crimes are no longer required for survival.

10. IS THERE INSURANCE? IF SO, WHO PAYS FOR IT?

Yes, insurance is required as part of the BLOCK Project. The homeowner carries and pays for Home Insurance. The BLOCK Project LLC carries and pays for General Liability Insurance.

11. WILL THE RESALE OF THE HOST HOME BE DIFFICULT/IMPOSSIBLE AFTER THIS BLOCK HOME IS BUILT?

BLOCK Homes are designed to be easily deconstructed and moved to another eligible yard. In the event a Host needs to sell, homes are removed, leaving a vastly improved backyard with improved pathways, plantings, and flagstone patios thanks to our partnerships with voluntary landscape architects. The area where the house once sat could easily be reutilized for another house, a patio, garden, and more.

12. IS THE BLOCK PROJECT ONLY OFFERED IN SEATTLE?

The BLOCK Project is currently building homes in the City of Seattle. However, the BLOCK Project is a community building project and could be applied anywhere based on the needs and context of a given community. Our goal is to build partnerships and support any community / entity interested in implementing The BLOCK Project or a similar model on their own.

13. HOW IS SUCCESS MEASURED FOR THE RESIDENT LIVING IN THE BLOCK HOME?

The BLOCK Project believes that everyone should have the right to determine what success and progress looks like for themselves. We encourage and support BLOCK Residents to define what is meaningful and important to them, whether it be job training, dedicated time to work on their mental health, pursuing old hobbies, exploring new healthy habits, or just being able to have a chance to slow down and process. We at the BLOCK Project define our success through community participation for providing one more person with access to safe, secure housing that can be permanent or a stepping stone to something else.

14. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HOST AND THE RESIDENT?

Each Host-Resident relationship is unique. At minimum, we ask that Hosts and Residents act as good neighbors to each other- respecting mutually developed agreements about space use, noise and interaction. We’ve seen many of these relationships blossom into close friendships, and are ready to support and facilitate when relationships hit the natural bumps that sometimes accompany sharing space. Given that both roles have their own respective networks of support within The BLOCK Project, the Host-Resident relationship is but one spoke within a wheel of care and support.

15. WHO OWNS THE HOMES?

The BLOCK Project LLC retains ownership of the BLOCK Homes.

16. DO RESIDENTS PAY RENT?

Residents do not currently pay rent. We anticipate that when we do begin to accept rent, residents will pay on a sliding scale, based on income and length of residency. Rent paid will be used to advance the mission and goals of The BLOCK Project.

17. HOW MUCH DO BLOCK HOMES COST?

The hard costs of the home is $75,000 including permit, materials and labor for utilities (FH overhead not included). This price is well under half the cost of typical DADU developments, which average over $180,000 a unit, and less than ¼ the cost of other permanent low income housing projects that cost as much as $330,000/unit and take several years to develop. Given these metrics, The BLOCK Project is the most affordable permanent housing solution in the region, and is uniquely sustainable and integrated throughout neighborhoods.

18. HOW ARE BLOCK HOMES FUNDED?

The homes are funded by a combination of community members, local businesses and corporations, and institutional funders. Hosts are not required to contribute financially. Community supporters donated funds for our first fifteen BLOCK Homes using an innovative peer-to-peer fundraising model. Please contact us to leverage your community to sponsor a future BLOCK Home!

19. ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes! All donations can be made to The BLOCK Project LLC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN #: 46-2376967

20. WHO PAYS FOR THE POWER? GARBAGE? OTHER UTILITIES?

Most Hosts volunteer to cover the cost of the resident’s internet, water, sewer and waste, which is less than $30/month on average. If the cost is prohibitive, The BLOCK Project LLC reimburses these expenses. Electricity costs are offset by solar panels installed on the BLOCK Home and the Resident shares garbage, recycling, and compost pick-up with the Host’s existing services.

21. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE CERTIFIED? WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The Living Building Challenge is a rigorous certification program that envisions buildings that give more to our community than they take. By adhering to these guidelines, our homes are designed and built to be healthy - from the air-quality for our residents, to non-carcinogenic manufacturing practices, and sustainable forests where our wood is sourced. By considering these far reaching implications, we can orient ourselves towards choices that decrease the pipeline to homelessness and related injustices, rather than feed it with less expensive but more harmful solutions. Learn more by visiting the International Living Future Institute website

22. HAS THIS MODEL BEEN DONE BEFORE?

In short, no. While there are several creative and needed grass root housing solutions around the country, The BLOCK Project is unique to Seattle and takes on the bold challenge of providing high-quality housing in high resourced neighborhoods for our currently unhoused neighbors. Our community continues to show up for this radical model of compassion, generosity, and bridge-building within our neighborhoods.

+ Host FAQs

1. HOW DO I BECOME A BLOCK HOST?

Hosts are the backbone of what we do at the BLOCK Project and are a vibrant, diverse group of individuals who come full heartedly to this work and community. We are thrilled that you may be interested in Hosting and look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow together. Please review the following criteria, and reach out to us if you have any questions.

1) Review the eligibility requirements (see below)
2) Fill out the Host Interest form
3) Pass initial zoning review
4) Complete the Host Application (shared after zoning approval) 5) Pass yard/site inspection
6) Participate in an interview and reference check process with our BLOCK Community Team.
7) Prepare your neighborhood for a new neighbor, as is appropriate

2. BLOCK HOST ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

1) I own a single-family home
2) My lot is greater than 3,200 Sq Ft
3) I have a yard that most likely can accommodate the BLOCK Home (approximately 19'x13' and a patio + path to the BLOCK home )
4) I do not currently have, or plan to build, a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)
5) No one in my household has a history of violence or abuse and we will agree to a background check of all household members above the age of 16
6) I will participate in legal processes and adhere to the agreement signed between me and The BLOCK Project LLC
7) I’m comfortable providing three (3) character references from diverse areas of my life
8) I am comfortable with volunteers coming on site during construction
9) I will allow the BLOCK Home to connect to primary residence’s water, sewer, internet and electricity
10) When equipped with the right information, I am comfortable reaching out to my neighbors about The BLOCK Project
11) I will attend required host trainings
12) I will participate in Meet Your Neighbor activities for placing a Resident
13) I will act as a good neighbor to my BLOCK Neighbor, including being friendly and willing to share use of the backyard. If a conflict should arise, I will work with Facing Homelessness and the BLOCK Neighbor to resolve this issue with good faith efforts to ensure continued stable housing for my BLOCK Neighbor.

3. WHAT DOES BEING A BLOCK HOST ENTAIL?

In addition to the criteria listed above, BLOCK Hosts:
1) Meet with BLOCK Project team members and partners.
2) Review and sign a ground lease agreement.
3) Attend a construction kick-off meeting, Landscaping kick-off, and follow-up meetings.
4) Be present or make keys accessible during Build Days for use of electricity and making utility connections. 5) Expect a 3-6 month construction project in your backyard, with dozens of professionals and community volunteers visiting your property.
6) Commit to being good neighbors to the resident as defined by you and the resident, and exercise compassion through their settling in and healing process.
7) Set clear norms in collaboration with the Resident and with support from The BLOCK Project LLC.
8) Proactively communicate any concerns regarding the building or resident with the BLOCK Community Programs Manager.
9) Are encouraged to help us spread the word and recruit more hosts through avenues like sharing your experience with your community and participating in limited speaking engagements.

4. DO PROPERTY TAXES INCREASE WHEN YOU BUILD A BACKYARD COTTAGE? WHO PAYS FOR THAT?

Unlike ordinary construction that is built to stay in one place, BLOCK Homes are moveable personal property, owned by The BLOCK Project LLC. Because BLOCK Homes are not real property attached to the land, and because they are not owned by the homeowner, the homeowner’s property taxes are not impacted.

5. WHAT IS A HOST’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE RESIDENT?

Hosts and residents are encouraged to define and shape their own relationships, with the primary expectation being that each is a good neighbor to the other. We match hosts and residents by a number of criteria, including their desired level of involvement in each other’s lives. Some hosts and residents are very involved in each other’s lives, regularly having dinner together and attending social events; while others happily share space but connect less frequently. Since The BLOCK Project LLC manages the residency of the resident, the host and resident are free to enjoy a neighborly relationship.

6. IS THE BLOCK HOME PERMANENT?

Yes, the BLOCK Project provides permanent housing, meaning that we do not impose a predetermined move-out date for BLOCK residents. Transitioning out of homelessness is a personal and unique journey, and we believe that true healing cannot be confined to a specific period of time. BLOCK Home hosts sign a Ground Lease agreement in 5 year increments.

7. CAN I HAVE AN AIRBNB AND A BLOCK HOME?

Yes. A permitted ADU (spare unit with full kitchen) and a DADU (The BLOCK Home) on the same property can coexist.

8. WHAT HAPPENS IF I BECOME A HOST, AND I HAVE TO MOVE?

Hosts are encouraged to think of the BLOCK Home as a permanent fixture in their yard and lives. We know that extenuating circumstances and major life changes can arise unexpectedly, and the ground lease accounts for such times.

9. HOW IS A BLOCK HOME BUILT? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

BLOCK Homes are built by a combination of skilled professionals and supervised volunteers. The homes are prefabricated at our BLOCK Shop and then taken to the site for assembly. With the new design launched in 2020 (V1.1), the onsite home assembly process was reduced from four weeks to four days! The total amount of time under construction however will typically last around three months, but can take longer, depending on the timing and complexity of the sitework and landscaping (i.e. we won’t be planting in the winter!).

10. DOES THE BLOCK HOME NEED TO FACE A CERTAIN DIRECTION?

We try to orient the BLOCK Homes to face south and utilize the powers of passive design. Passive design reduces the need for auxiliary heating or cooling, by taking advantage of the local climate to maintain comfortable temperatures. For the BLOCK Home, this means that it is heavily insulated on the north, east, and west sides of the structure, but has a large window facing south, allowing the low-slung southern sun to heat the space in the winter but keep it cooler in the warm summer months. However, other orientations have also been successful and accommodating the shape of the backyard is a key consideration.

11. IS LANDSCAPING PROVIDED?

The BLOCK Project is very fortunate to have many talented landscape architects donating time and skills. While the project budget includes only the path patio and planting to the BLOCK Home, landscape architects provide a personalized full-lot plan based on the host’s desires. All desires and visions, such as privacy, are easily addressed during this process through techniques such as vegetative screening. Having glazing only on the BLOCK Home south facing wall provides built-in privacy for both the BLOCK Home resident and neighbors on the north, east and west sides.

12. HOW IS ONGOING MAINTENANCE HANDLED?

For emergency and ongoing maintenance of the homes, we partner with well established local businesses like The Homeowners Club who connect homeowners in the Seattle area with experienced contractors.

13. WILL THE BLOCK HOME BE CONNECTED TO MY UTILITIES?

Yes. All homes are solar powered and working towards giving back to the grid resulting in a net positive impact. The Resident shares electrical, internet, water, sewer, garbage, recycling, and compost pick-up with the Host, and the Host typically volunteers to cover the expense. If the Host does not feel comfortable covering these expenses or is unable to, The BLOCK Project LLC covers them.

+ Resident FAQs

1. WHO ARE BLOCK RESIDENTS?

An individual who formerly lived unsheltered and now resides in a BLOCK Home. We work very closely with our partner agencies: Mary’s Place, Sound Health, REST, Chief Seattle Club, and Lake City Partners for BLOCK resident referrals. We work hard to ensure Residents are ready for the nuances of BLOCK living and have the support systems in place to thrive in this program.

2. I AM CURRENTLY HOMELESS, HOW CAN I GET A BLOCK HOME?

To participate in The BLOCK Project, you must first be a client of one of our partnered agencies (Mary’s Place, Sound Health, REST, Chief Seattle Club or Lake City Partners). Your case manager has the opportunity to make a referral based on program availability, and your mutual assessment of whether he BLOCK Project would be a good fit for you.

3. DO RESIDENTS PAY RENT?

Residents currently do not pay rent. We anticipate that when we do begin to accept rent, Residents will pay on a sliding scale, based on income and length of residency. Rent paid will be used to advance the mission and goals of The BLOCK Project LLC.

4. HOW ARE HOSTS AND RESIDENTS MATCHED?

Hosts and residents participate in a Meet Your Neighbor process to ensure that they are compatible. Both fill out Neighbor Profiles and participate in a facilitated meeting to better get to know one another and learn what is important to each of them when sharing space. Once everyone is ready to move forward The BLOCK Project LLC encourages both parties to continue growing their relationship.

5. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA?

Case managers are trained to refer clients that they are confident will thrive as a Resident in this community building project. Residents must be in good standing with their case manager, have at least a six-month history with their case manager, feel comfortable navigating relationships with neighbors and feel comfortable living independently, among other criteria.

6. WHO IS THE DESIGNATED CONTACT AT FACING HOMELESSNESS FOR RESIDENTS?

Phoebe Anderson-Kline, BLOCK Community Programs Manager, Facing Homelessness | phoebe@facinghomelessness.org | 425.276.1965

+ Social Service Agency/Case Manager FAQs

1. HOW DO I REFER A CLIENT TO THE BLOCK PROJECT?

In order to refer a client to the BLOCK Project, 3 things must be true:

1) Your agency is an approved BLOCK Project partner with a signed MOU
2) You have completed the BLOCK Project Case Manager Training
3) Your client meets the requirements outlined in our Resident Eligibility Guidelines

If all three statements above are true, we will share the eligibility guidelines with the case manager referring their client. We also ask the case manager to help the resident fill out a Resident Eligibility Survey and then submit the survey to us for review.

2. WHAT CLIENTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE BLOCK PROJECT?

The BLOCK Project is an integrated housing solution; it is important to refer clients who are able to recognize and access services and support they need while adjusting to housed life. We recognize that the BLOCK Project is currently most successful for those with the fewest barriers to exiting homelessness, and that unfortunately those who have higher needs may have more complications in adjusting to BLOCK living.

3. HOW MANY CLIENTS CAN I REFER TO THE PROJECT AT A TIME?

The BLOCK Community Programs Manager will share information with partner agencies regarding the availability of BLOCK Homes and their expected timelines. You can make multiple referrals.

4. HOW IS A CLIENT CONNECTED WITH A BLOCK HOME?

Once we’ve established someone is eligible for the BLOCK Project, we connect hosts and potential residents for a meeting to determine if communication, lifestyles, and needs are compatible for a host and resident to be neighbors and share an outdoor space. Both fill out Neighbor profiles and participate in a facilitated meeting we call “Meet Your Neighbor”. Through these, the host and potential resident get to learn about each other and what is important to each of them when sharing a living space, and gives the Resident a chance to see the BLOCK Home and what the neighborhood is like. Once a mutual connection has been made, The BLOCK Project LLC encourages both parties to continue growing their relationship.

Case Managers play a vital role in this process. We ask that you support your client in completing their Neighbor profile and accompany them to the Meet Your Neighbor meeting. We ask that you support your client in stating and advocating their needs, and we also have found that your presence and the comfort of your relationship with your client can help them feel like they have an ally during this process.

5. WHO IS THE DESIGNATED CONTACT AT FACING HOMELESSNESS FOR AGENCIES?

Phoebe Anderson-Kline, BLOCK Community Programs Manager, Facing Homelessness | phoebe@facinghomelessness.org | 425.276.1965

+ Volunteer FAQs

1. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES EXIST TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE BLOCK PROJECT?

There are various ways in which community members can engage with The BLOCK Project including participating in a BLOCK Site Build and/or landscaping, assembling panels at the BLOCK Shop, or becoming a Companion to a BLOCK Resident. More information can be found on our Get Involved Page on the Facing Homelessness Website.

2. HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN THE COMPANIONSHIP PROGRAM?

Companionship operates from the core belief that healing does not happen in isolation, but in relationship and in community. Companionship supports self determination and acknowledges, honors, and affirms the inherent worth of each human being through supportive relationships grounded in mutuality. Companionship does not seek to “fix” or “save” anyone, but rather honors and respects someone exactly where they are at. The Companionship Program is one part of the support network within the BLOCK Project that we hope to cultivate, nourish, and grow. This is a volunteer program that brings together members from our housed community and members of our BLOCK Home community who want to connect and build relationships with one another. If you are interested in participating in this program, you would be connected with a companion volunteer to meet up on a regular basis (either by phone, video chat, or in person). To learn more, contact our BLOCK Community Programs Manager, Phoebe Anderson-Kline (phoebe@facinghomelessness.org).

3. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS A VOLUNTEER ON A BLOCK BUILD?

BLOCK Site build days are typically led by a Construction Lead. The build days are typically attended by 5-10 community volunteers with various levels of experience. All tools are provided by The BLOCK Project however volunteers are encouraged to bring water bottles and gloves if they desire. At the beginning of each workday, a Construction Lead will kick off the morning with a project introduction. The Construction Lead will then share instructions pertinent to the build and explain all safety requirements. Tasks range from landscaping, trenching and excavating, to structure assembly with some minor carpentry work. Downtime and transition periods are normal and so is an entire shift of intensive physical labor. Come with an open mind, communicate your access needs/capacity, and know that we are extremely grateful to you for working with us to build the BLOCK Homes!

4. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS A VOLUNTEER AT THE BLOCK SHOP?

BLOCK Homes are prefabricated at the BLOCK Shop and delivered to the site for assembly. The BLOCK Shop is accessible to volunteers with all skill levels. No prior building experience is required. Volunteers will work in groups of 2 or 3, with oversight and instruction from shop staff. All tasks are well documented and illustrated for clarity and understanding. Depending on the day, tasks may range from painting to building BLOCK house panels. Each volunteer day starts with a general safety and tool training workshop.

5. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE VOLUNTEERING ON A BUILD SITE OR AT THE BLOCK SHOP?

All BLOCK Project volunteers must complete a volunteer waiver and consent to a background check. If you have signed up through our volunteer management portal, you have already signed the waiver and will be informed about the background check process. If you show up on site and are not sure if you have signed a waiver with us before, please let the staff lead know before you begin the work.

6. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO A VOLUNTEER SHIFT ON A BLOCK BUILD SITE OR TO THE BLOCK SHOP?

Volunteers must wear long pants, closed toe shoes, and may bring personal safety glasses, ear protection, and work gloves (we'll have available), and are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. If you are not dressed properly you will not be allowed on site. Volunteers are encouraged to be mindful of the weather and plan accordingly. Please note that we try to have snacks and water on site, but cannot ensure it. Please bring your water bottle and snacks if you need. We will not mind if you bring some to share!

7. HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?

To learn about upcoming opportunities, please visit our volunteer management portal, create an account and indicate your interest in The BLOCK Project. You will then be notified of all future BLOCK volunteer opportunities.

8. I HAVE FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES WHO WANT TO VOLUNTEER TOGETHER. DO YOU WORK WITH GROUPS?

YES! We work with both individuals and groups. For group volunteering, please complete this form and we will get back to you.

9. WHO IS THE DESIGNATED CONTACT AT FACING HOMELESSNESS FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Karina Wallace, Community Programs Manager, Facing Homelessness | karina@facinghomelessness.org