BREMERTON, WASHINGTON – On November 14, 2025, Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) took a major step toward strengthening Kitsap’s long-term sustainability by closing on the purchase of five acres of undeveloped land within the City of Bremerton at 1231 Sheridan, Bremerton, WA. Although the final plan for the site is still undecided, it holds the potential to support a range of emergency, transitional, and affordable housing solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of Bremerton residents and promote safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.

BHA pursued the property as a part of a coordinated effort with Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS), Kitsap Community Resources (KCR), and St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) in response to the request by the Bremerton City Council to find a location and develop a holistic plan utilizing a hybrid shelter model to address the growing homelessness crisis occurring across the City of Bremerton. BHA, the non-profit partners, and their boards remain committed to offering the community a shelter option but understand if the City and County prefer an alternative model or location. In addition to the possibility of use for a hybrid shelter model, the property is also well suited for affordable housing developments and could benefit the community in multiple ways to serve the mission of BHA.

“I’m grateful for the unwavering commitment from Monica Bernhard and KMHS, Tony Ives and KCR, Joe Crain and SDvP and the other community leaders and key agencies who worked tirelessly to find a shelter solution,” said BHA Executive Director Jill Stanton. “There is no perfect option, but there are choices and we are willing to do what we can to work together with the community and provide what is needed. We recognize it takes the will of the community for projects like this to succeed and will continue to work closely with the City and County to ensure that any future shelter plans align with community needs and reflect current data.”

The land acquisition would not have been possible without the generosity and patience of the transaction partners. The Washington State Housing Finance Commission also provided funding through the Land Acquisition Program (LAP). These significant contributions will ensure the property is used to increase housing and sheltering options across Bremerton and Kitsap County. BHA looks forward to developing this land in partnership with the City, County, and community and offers sincere thanks for everyone involved now and in the future.

On February 21, 2025, Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) acquired Wheaton Landing, a new 24-unit apartment complex aimed at providing stable housing for families with children in the Bremerton School District who are facing homelessness or housing instability. Enterprise, a national organization dedicated to community development, has accepted the project into its program and will co-lead efforts with Kitsap Strong to bring together key partners and design a tailored program to best serve future residents. With this important purchase, BHA continues to address the unique needs of Bremerton by ensuring that affordable housing is paired with the support necessary for residents to thrive.

“I believe this is an incredible opportunity for our city and county,” said BHA Executive Director Jill Stanton. “We take seriously our mandate to address local needs with our federal resources and believe this local solution to ending homelessness for children is our most viable path forward. We know housing is only a portion of what is needed for success and are grateful for the dedicated stakeholders involved in making this new project possible.”

Wheaton Landing is another significant public-private partnership in which BHA has responded to a recognized need by community partners to reach Bremerton’s most vulnerable residents through housing. In addition to Kitsap Mental Health Services’ Pendleton Place, Kitsap’s first permanent supportive housing complex for 72 chronically homeless individuals, and BHA’s Evergreen Bright Start, Kitsap’s first dedicated housing complex for young adults ages 18-24 exiting foster care or facing homelessness, this new property will also offer access to supportive services tailored specifically to its residents. This project is designed to be a model that can be replicated to help achieve functional zero homelessness for the student body in the Bremerton School District.

In support of its national community development initiatives, Enterprise will lead efforts to bring together key organizations to identify best practices in tenant selection, operations, and services. Wheaton Landing participating stakeholders include:

• Bremerton Housing Authority
• Enterprise
• Kitsap Strong
• Bremerton School District
• Kitsap County Affordable Housing Consortium
• Kitsap County
• City of Bremerton

The goal is to implement a holistic program that addresses the diverse needs of resident families, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Enterprise will also establish key data metrics for tracking and measuring success. Kitsap Strong is co-leading the development of the partnership structure with BHA and serves as the backbone entity.

Successful projects like this require not only good intent, seamless collaboration, specific expertise, and an understanding developer, but also the necessary funding. BHA received crucial support to acquire the newly constructed 24-unit complex located at 3256 Wheaton Way in East Bremerton, which includes:

• An assumable loan from Global Credit Union, marking the first time Global has worked with any public housing authority across the nation.
• Community Investments in Affordable Housing and HOME funds in addition to local funding support from Kitsap County and the City of Bremerton.
• Restricted funds available from the redevelopment of West Park, BHA’s successful effort to improve affordable housing across Bremerton completed in 2015.
• Ongoing rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs including Housing Choice Vouchers.

Wheaton Landing represents a major step forward in tackling homelessness and housing instability for families in Bremerton and Kitsap County. By bringing together resources from both the public and private sectors, BHA, Enterprise, Kitsap Strong, the Bremerton School District, and our community partners are reinforcing a continued commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community by focusing on long-term housing solutions.

BREMERTON, WASHINGTON – On December 11, 2024, Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) achieved a major milestone by completing the financial closing for the redevelopment of six affordable housing properties across Bremerton, improving homes for 138 families. This marks the first phase of BHA’s ambitious repositioning project, aimed at enhancing the quality and long-term sustainability of its housing portfolio. Leveraging innovative financial tools provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), BHA is addressing critical capital needs for aging properties while creating more stable operational income. This pivotal step reinforces the commitment to preserving affordability and elevating Bremerton as a vibrant and welcoming community.

“The fantastic news is that we have taken a major step in one of our primary goals to strengthen our assets and ensure financial sustainability for BHA!” said BHA Executive Director Jill Stanton. “This was an important strategic initiative established by our Board of Commissioners and implemented by our leadership team. I’m very proud of BHA for taking this on and ensuring the next generation served by BHA will have the resources to do that. It’s a great week for us.”

This project, known as Bremerton Bright Start Properties (BBSP) Phase I, is set to break ground in early January 2025 and will take about 18 months to complete. The properties receiving upgrades include the Casa del Sol Apartments and Charter House senior apartments in Manette; the Shadow Creek Apartments and Winfield Apartments in East Bremerton; and the Tara Heights and Wright Court neighborhoods in East Bremerton. Specific improvements will vary from property to property depending on needs but may include new roofs, new siding, window replacements and extensive updates to unit interiors to make homes more comfortable and attractive for residents while also bringing them into compliance with current accessibility codes. Furthermore, the project improvements will adhere to the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard, improving the environmental sustainability of the buildings.

Keeping residents informed, reassured, and minimally impacted by these major renovations is of utmost concern for BHA. Residents will be temporarily housed in another unit or off site for approximately three weeks while their units are remodeled. With very few exceptions, tenants will return to the same unit after the remodeling work is complete. BHA and its relocation consultants will manage all phases of the residents’ temporary relocation, including help with packing personal possessions as requested, moving supplies, moving, and all rental costs at the temporary living quarters.

This is a large and complicated project that requires extensive coordination and care at every step. BHA has many project partners to thank for their help and dedication in completing the closing so the development can begin. BHA also wants to express appreciation for Mayor Greg Wheeler and the Bremerton City Council for their support of this project.

The transaction partners include the following:

• Development Consultants: Brawner & Company has worked with BHA for almost 18 months to bring this project to fruition and will continue to consult on all phases of repositioning.
• Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investor: RBC Community Investments (“RBC”) provided $24 million in tax credit equity.  RBC will be BHA’s partner on this project for the next 15 years.
• Construction and Permanent Lender: BHA issued tax-exempt governmental multifamily revenue notes in a private placement with CitiBank’s Community Capital division to provide $36 million in construction financing and $14.5 million in permanent financing.
• Public Funding: Washington State Department of Commerce approved a “rollover” of an existing $775,000 grant to remain in place within the new project’s financing structure.    
• General Contractor & Architect:  Belfor Construction, as General Contractor, and InkBuilt, as Project Architect, will handle all phases of permitting, design, and renovation work on the 6 properties which comprise this project.

BHA is actively finding ways to fulfill its mission by leveraging its strengths in affordable housing management and property development. This project is an example of the ways BHA remains committed to addressing the affordability crisis in Bremerton and surrounding areas by investing in long-term solutions that ensure safe, quality housing for current and future residents. Repositioning is not just about improving buildings—it’s about strengthening the foundation of our community and providing stability for families who call Bremerton home.