The MISSION of Kitsap Homes of Compassion is to provide safe, affordable, permanent housing with comprehensive support services for those who are homeless or are struggling with housing insecurity.
The VISION of Kitsap Homes of Compassion, in partnership with our community, is a future where everyone in Kitsap County is provided an opportunity for housing and any support services they may require, as a basic human right and are treated with dignity and respect.
The GOAL of Kitsap Homes of Compassion is to provide stable, supportive housing and opportunity for those in difficult circumstances such as poverty, domestic violence, or debilitating physical/mental health issues that resulted in homelessness.
Kitsap Homes of Compassion also advocates for the creation of more affordable housing inventory of all types. It encourages research into creative approaches to find viable, sustainable, healthy, safe, permanent solutions to housing people with lower income. It also encourages research in best practices for independent living for vulnerable populations.
Our Housing Model
How did Kitsap Homes of Compassion (KHOC) develop its model? A retired engineer, Joel Adamson founded Kitsap Homes of Compassion in 2017. Joel took action after seeing the pervasive homelessness and affordable housing crisis in Kitsap County. After researching extensively on the causes of homelessness, Joel was a surprised to find a large amount of this resilient population were seniors and people with disabilities. With this information and the support of the community, Joel moved forward with creating a unique and innovative model for housing in Kitsap. The model Joel created begins with creating master leases with local homeowners for 3-to-6 bedroom homes. The rooms in these homes are essentially sublet to folks experiencing homelessness for an affordable rental fee including wifi and utilities. Residents of KHOC housing pay a security deposit and sign a lease, the same as any other tenant might (KHOC is also subject to the same landlord/tenant laws as an average property owner or manager). Joel found this model worked as planned, and now KHOC has expanded to be a property manager for 27 homes across Kitsap County (from Kingston to Port Orchard!) and offers Housing Support Services with a Housing First grant from the Washington Health Care Authority and the Foundational Community Supports program. KHOC also has a mental health program available for residents and program participants. These services include counseling and care planning.
KHOC believes in evidence-based solutions. Home sharing and Permanent supportive housing (PSH) are not new concepts, and they are encouraged by HUD and other federal, state, and local agencies. But KHOC combines them in a unique way, and as the model continues to evolve, as we are always learning more; KHOC stays up to date with the latest information to best serve our residents. KHOC uses permanent supportive housing (PSH) concepts to create a framework for our housing program (see “Data” tab for more information). PSH is an intervention that combines affordable housing assistance with voluntary support services to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. PSH is more cost effective than leaving people without a home. KHOC provides residents with a clean, private room with a locking door.
Being a member of KHOC house means being a part of a household, or family, that is respectful of one another. It means the end of isolation and being a part of a group. It means working together as a team to complete house chores, allowing for smooth operation of a home. Developing improved social skills is key to success in life.
Residents reside in either private or shared rooms, and share common areas of a single family home for an affordable monthly price (including utilities). However, the monthly costs of the program are not covered. We operate at a deficit of $100 per resident each month. Please consider a donation to help us offset our costs.
