Our History

On October 11th, 1993 the Okanogan County Commissioners held a public meeting to address a petition signed by over 200 Okanogan County residents requesting the creation of a housing authority to assist limited income families in the county to attain housing. The signatories stated in their petition that there was a serious lack of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing in Okanogan County for persons with limited income. On that same night the County Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 96-93, activating the Housing Authority of Okanogan County (HAOC).

Section 3 of the resolution reads the following: “This resolution: being necessary for the health, welfare and economic status of citizens of Okanogan County will take place immediately.”

From its beginning, the HAOC has been diligently serving in pursuit of providing for the housing needs identified in that petition. Today the HAOC is an agency that is respected and recognized as being a strong partner in creating solutions, access, and equity in affordable housing. Our mantra is: “Affordable Housing for All” because we recognize that while our mission for being is to assist limited income families, we are also strong partners with other housing efforts to ensure every Okanogan County resident has a place to call home. In a continued effort to fulfill our mission we have created strong partners with other non-profit agencies like the Office of Rural and Farmworker Housing (ORFH) to assist in our pursuit of developing and preserving affordable housing in Okanogan County.

Our Mission: Assisting residents of Okanogan County to acquire and retain affordable housing while strengthening our communities by removing barriers, empowering dignity, and building trust.

We believe…

• When everyone has a chance to thrive communities are stronger!

• Affordable housing is an important part of the solution to reduce poverty!

• Everyone deserves a safe place to call home!

The Housing Authority of Okanogan County continues to grow as we strive to fulfill our mission and expand affordable housing opportunities for our communities. 

Our Vision: We are a catalyst for positive change ensuring affordable housing for all with multiple self-sustaining funding streams.  We intend to create a brighter future by:

1. Providing pathways for people to enhance their quality of life.

2. Developing more inclusive, sustainable housing solutions.

3. Energizing communities and partners to join us on our mission.

Our Values:

The Housing Authority of Okanogan County (HAOC) operates on the foundation of the following core values, which drive the organization through each project we complete, each rental assistance program we implement, and each person we employ.

Accountability - Take pride and responsibility in all we do.
Learning - Listen, share and advance for the benefit of others.
Honesty - Communicate with full transparency.
Inclusion - Foster racially and economically diverse communities.
Motivation - Work hard to drive change.
Relationships - Value and care for one another.
Respect - Serve others with honor and dignity.

Acquisition and Preservation

1. Acquisition and Preservation of 24 unit “Vista Park Homes” in Brewster, WA

2. Acquisition and Preservation of two single family homes that serve adult individuals with disabilities.

3. Acquisition and Preservation of 16 unit “Pateros Gardens” in Pateros, WA.

4. Secured funding to develop our first Tax Credit; “Meadow Point Family Housing” project, in Omak, WA.  This will provide 46 units of affordable housing to families.

5. Secured funding to develop 16 unit, “Meadowlark Senior Housing” in Omak, WA.

Expanded Housing Opportunities

1. Improved access to housing for Veterans in the County with the addition of a new “VASH” voucher to our Section 8 program.

2. We have added 98 new Mainstream vouchers, to serve those individuals who are disabled, under age 62 and older than 18.

All these achievements are possible thanks to the leadership and direction of our Board of Commissioners, our dedicated staff, and the tremendous support we have received from community partners as well as local, state and federal elected officials.