History

The International District Housing Alliance began in the mid-1970’s as a grassroots organizing entity for low-income residents of Seattle’s Chinatown/International District (CID). The construction of the King Dome in1975 threatened to displace residents of the CID and other neighborhoods immediately south of downtown Seattle.  In 1979, community leaders organized and formed a certified non-profit organization, International District Housing and Social Services (IDHSS), which organized residents and community members to preserve affordable housing in the CID.

IDHSS has changed its name to the International District Housing Alliance (IDHA) and continues to serve as an advocate, community organizer, and housing services specialist for the CID’s Asian and Pacific Islander (API) immigrant and refugee community.

IDHA has expanded its reach from the CID to Seattle public housing communities at Yesler Terrace, Rainier Vista, and High Point where IDHA serves about 2,500 clients a year in 10 different Asian languages.  IDHA services have evolved to meet new community needs such as financial literacy, leadership development, homeownership counseling, citizenship tutoring, translation/interpretation, environmental justice, domestic violence and community-building.  IDHA’s strength remains in its multi-lingual capacity and outreach as well as its partnerships with numerous other community based agencies and government institutions.

IDHA continually strives for – Better Housing, Happier Lives, and Stronger Communities!