Greenwood Food Bank and affiliate programs to expand to new building with senior housing

Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW), which runs the North Seattle Community Resource Center (including the Greenwood Food Bank) at 9041 Greenwood Ave. N., plans to demolish its existing building and construct a new building that would also contain affordable senior housing.

The grand opening of the Community Resource Center in Greenwood on June 11, 2010.
The Greenwood Food Bank moved into its new space with its sister programs, Senior Companionship Program and Disability Services, last year.
“It was an ideal fit almost from the beginning,” Bill Humphreys, vice president of program development of VOAWW, said of the new site, which is close to downtown Greenwood services and the Greenwood Senior Center.
The new building would have about 10,000 square feet on the ground floor space for the food bank and social service programs, plus three stories of between 60 and 70 one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors age 62 or older, plus an underground parking structure. The plan also is to have a garden where residents can help grow food for the food bank.
Humphreys said proposed project will cost around $20 million. Funding will come from a variety of sources, including federal and city grants, as well as a capital campaign.
“We want to create options for people to stay in their own homes,” he said. “How can we create opportunities for that to be their home as long as they want it to be.”
Humphreys said VOAWW hopes to break ground in the fall of 2012.
VOAWW is having a community meeting at 7 p.m. next Thursday, April 21, at the North Seattle Resource Center, 9041 Greenwood Ave. N. They will have some preliminary drawings of what the site could look like, but they’re looking for community input.
“The intent (is) to create an asset that not only the Greenwood community will be proud of… but an environment of community spirit and collaboration will take place every day,” Humphreys said. “This is about creating affordable housing that is high quality; really, really lovely aesthetics. We just think this is a lovely opportunity to make a difference in this community.”
If you have question about the project, contact Bill Humphreys at 425-259-3191 or by email.