Affordable Housing Fund
Overview
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) supports people experiencing very low-income in Vancouver through affordable housing development, rental assistance and homelessness services. In 2016, voters approved a $42 million property tax levy to support AHF projects through 2023. In 2023, this levy was renewed by voters to provide $100 million in AHF funding from 2024 through 2033.
The City will make funding available to community partners for projects and programs that:
- Build and preserve long-term affordable housing in Vancouver.
- Provide temporary shelter to people experiencing homelessness.
- Provide rental assistance and services to help households avoid an eviction or access a rental unit.
This funding increases the availability of affordable housing within the City of Vancouver, with a focus on:
- Households earning below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for rental units.
- Households earning below 80% of the AMI for homeownership opportunities.
Note: If you live in Vancouver, WA and are seeking rental assistance or other housing services, please contact the Housing Hotline at 360-695-9677.
Important updates about Affordable Housing Fund application availability
AHF Temporary Shelter Applications Open September 1
The City of Vancouver Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) Temporary Shelter applications closed on September 24, 2026. The AHF is designed to support affordable, safe, and stable housing for households in Vancouver earning below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Eligible Temporary Shelter activities include:
- Grants to service providers for constructing, maintaining, or operating shelters
- Motel vouchers for temporary overnight stays
- Funding for rapid rehousing or other housing services for people who are unhoused
Key Details:
- $600,000 available for 2027
- Applications closed September 24
- Subject to City Council approval, funding is expected to be available January 1, 2027
Please email housing@cityofvancouver.us with any questions about this funding opportunity.
Eligibility for Affordable Housing Funds
Developers, nonprofits, and other housing providers whose projects will provide affordable housing in Vancouver are eligible to apply for the AHF. Through the City selection process, priority will be given to applicants with a demonstrated ability to develop, own, and/or manage affordable housing.
Eligible Recipients:
- Nonprofit agencies with the primary mission of providing housing
- Public housing authorities
- Private for-profit firms with experience developing, owning, and managing multifamily rental housing
Ineligible Recipients:
- Households
- Homeowners, homebuyers or tenants with low income must access assistance through programs operated by the City, or through a nonprofit or other housing agency contracted with the City.
To be added to our contact list for AHF application updates, please email Housing staff at housing@cityofvancouver.us.
Affordable Housing Fund Application Process and Status
- Annual Funding Amounts:
- Housing Production and Preservation: $6 million
- Rental Assistance and Housing Services: $2 million
- Temporary Shelter: $1 million
- Homeownership Assistance: $500,000
- Application Status:
- Housing Production and Preservation: applications paused
- Rental Assistance and Housing Services: applications paused
- Temporary Shelter: pre-applications open September 1
- Homeownership Assistance: applications paused
- Application Process:
- The full AHF Application Guidelines are available for review below under the “Program Guidelines” tab.
- The City strategically awards Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) resources based on funding availability and program priorities established by Council.
- To maximize competitiveness of local multifamily projects, the City aligns its funding rounds with state application cycles whenever feasible.
- When funding becomes available, the City will issue a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
- The City accepts pre-applications on an ongoing basis, independent of whether a specific funding round is currently open. These submissions help inform planning for future funding rounds and provide valuable insight into ongoing community interest and need. The pre-application can be accessed via Neighborly at: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/vancouverwa/Participant. Please reach out to staff at housing@cityofvancouver.us.
- Award Process: Awards will be announced after review by the Housing Advisory Committee and approval by City Council.
Affordable Housing Fund Investments Dashboard
Program Guidelines
Income, Rent, and Sales Limits and Utility Allowances
Income Limits
For use with AHF construction and rehabilitation projects (50% AMI) and AHF homeownership projects (80% AMI).
| AMI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | $44,950 | $51,350 | $57,750 | $64,150 | $69,300 | $74,450 | $79,550 | $84,700 |
| 80% | $71,900 | $82,150 | $92,400 | $102,650 | $110,900 | $119,100 | $127,300 | $135,500 |
Effective June 1, 2026. Source: CDBG Income Limits – HUD Exchange
Fair Market Rent Limits
For use with AHF rental assistance programs.
| Studio | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,527 | $1,633 | $1,878 | $2,550 | $3,063 |
Effective October 1, 2026. Source: HUD Fair Market Rent Limits
50% AMI Rent Limits
For use with AHF construction and rehabilitation projects.
| Studio | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,123 | $1,203 | $1,443 | $1,668 | $1,861 |
Effective May 11, 2026. Source: HOME Rent Limits
Utility Allowances
Refer to the utility allowance schedule published by the Vancouver Housing Authority: Utility Allowances
Note: Posted rent limits are inclusive of utility allowances and any non-optional fees charged by the property owner. The combined total of rent, utility allowances, and any fees must not exceed the applicable maximum rent limit.
Homeownership Home Sales Limit
For use with AHF homeownership projects (80% AMI).
| Limit | Amount |
| Home value limit (95% of median home price) | $499,000 |
Effective December 1, 2025. Source: HOME Homeownership Value Limits | HUD USER