AFFORDABLE RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Vashon HouseHold maintains 128 affordable rental units at six different properties, all located near the town core, services, and public transit.
Many of our units are subsidized and we have units available for people earning 30% or less of area median income up to 80% of area median income.
JG Commons
VHH built J.G. Commons in 2003 for low-income seniors ( 62 and older). The building features 21 modern, 1-bedroom apartments suitable for singles and couples. JG Commons includes a community room, lounge area, conference room, on-site laundry, and an elevator for wheelchair accessibility.
These affordable units are located 2 blocks from Vashon’s town center and within walking distance of public transportation, stores, parks, the library, and other amenities. Typical apartments at JG Commons are 550 sq. feet with an airy, open floor plan. Most of the units overlook preserved wooded open space.
Seniors who meet HUD’s (Housing and Urban Development) income guidelines may be eligible. HUD’s 202 program provides rent subsidies for all residents, ensuring that no one pays more than 30% of their income for rent. The units are highly energy efficient and may be modified to accommodate people with disabilities.
J.G. Commons was named for Joy Goldstein and Grace Crecelius, two of the original VHH board members.
Eernisse
Eernisse Apartments has 26 affordably-priced apartments built in 2007. The project is the first apartment complex in the community built with large families and groups in mind. There is a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units -- the only affordable three-bedroom apartments on Vashon Island.
Eernisse is home to many families who have been priced out of the sky-rocketing rental market. All of the units are affordable to households that meet the federal definition of “low income," and half are affordable to those considered “very low income." VHH secured permanent rental assistance for residents with the greatest need. This subsidy ensures that 13 of these households will pay no more than 30% of monthly income to rent.
This property was named for Fred Eernisse who owned and farmed the land that was bought before developing.
Island Center Homes
Finished in December 2024 with residents moving in January 2025, Island Center Homes (ICH) offers 40 private micro‑suites across five two-story buildings, each containing eight single‑occupancy suites. Every suite includes its own bathroom and kitchenette, while residents enjoy shared community spaces—including a full kitchen, laundry, and pavilion—designed to foster connection and independence within a supportive environment.
ICH is designated as Permanent Supportive Housing. Units are reserved for very low‑income individuals (≤ 30% of Area Median Income), including seniors, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and those with disabilities. A VHH staff services coordinator assists with supportive services and service referrals.
Island Center Homes is strategically located near transit routes (Metro 118/119), within walking distance of the town core, grocery, clinic, food bank, and Island Center Forest trails. It serves as a vital addition to Vashon’s tight housing stock, addressing urgent community needs while prioritizing local residents.
Charter House
Charter House features 9 spacious, 1-bedroom apartments reserved for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. These affordable units are located just 2 blocks from Vashon’s town center, within walking distance of public transportation, stores, parks, the library, and other amenities. Typical apartments in Charter House are 870 sq. feet with separate kitchens and dining areas. All residents are eligible to receive monthly rental assistance from the USDA Rural Housing Program, which ensures that tenants pay rent at or below 30% of their monthly incomes.
Originally constructed in 1970, the building was purchased and rehabilitated by VHH in 1996. VHH kept the original name. By buying the property and reinstating the USDA rental subsidies for the tenants, VHH prevented the displacement of many long-time residents. The goal of this and other VHH rentals is to ensure that residents are provided with quality, stable homes, and that all units and grounds are kept in the best possible condition.
Mukai Commons
In April 2009, VHH purchased an apartment complex in the heart of Vashon Town and renovated all 20 units for low income families and individuals. There are 12 one-bedroom apartments and 8 two-bedroom townhouses.
The 3 buildings were in poor condition, having suffered years of neglect inside and out. With the support of King County and the State of Washington, VHH bought the buildings and secured grants to fully rehab every unit.
During 2009 and 2010, VHH replaced roofs, windows, doors, carpeting, cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures in most units and addressed problems with wiring, plumbing and poor insulation. VHH also refurbished the building exteriors with new siding and new landscaping and improved parking areas. There is also a new laundry facility. Mukai Commons is now a safe, affordable, and beautiful place to live.
Mukai Commons provides a home to those who cannot afford market-rate rentals. All of the units are affordable to households that meet federal low-income standards and are set aside for people at or below 50% of the median income. Five of the 20 units are reserved for formerly homeless people.
This property is named for Masahiro Mukai, who farmed in the area in the 1930s through the 1960s.
Islander Apartments
In 2023, VHH purchased a three building, 12-unit apartment complex in the heart of Vashon Town for low-income families and individuals called the Islander Apartments. There are 4 one-bedroom apartments and 8 two-bedroom apartments. Many of the units were recently renovated and have been very well taken care of throughout the years. Many of the apartments have in-unit laundry and all have access to common laundry machines. Each unit is single story and has an outdoor patio. Islander Apartments provides a home to those who cannot afford market-rate rentals. Many who live here work for Vashon businesses such as Thriftway, Sea Mar, and Sawbones. Many others are seniors on fixed incomes. All the units are affordable to households that meet federal low-income standards and are set aside for people at or below 80% of the median income.
