Apr. 13—The project foreman at the Clarkston Family Haven site is proud of the progress on 72 units and a clubhouse along Port Drive near Walmart.
The three-story apartment buildings are rapidly taking shape and slightly ahead of schedule. They should be completed by the end of the year, and people are already stopping by with questions on how to apply to live there.
The construction crew doesn’t handle that part, but an early intake form can be completed now. The official waiting list will open in mid-to-late summer. (See breakout box for more information on how to apply.)
Clarkston Family Haven is a partnership between Horizon Housing Alliance and Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, which are both not-for-profit organizations based in Spokane.
Construction began in the fall with crews from Inland Washington, the general contractor, working alongside local subcontractors to keep the project on track.
Justin Poffinbargar and the site superintendent have teamed up on numerous affordable housing projects in the state of Washington. During a recent tour, they both said the Clarkston job has been one of their favorites.
“Each community is unique,” Poffinbargar said. “We all come in to do our best, and we treat these units like they were our own. We both come from working in Seattle and cities, and Clarkston is one of the most relaxed places we’ve ever worked. It’s peaceful here.”
The 30 or so employees are living in temporary rentals in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley while the apartments are under construction. Some drive home for the weekends, but others are able to bring spouses who work remotely. Most of the Inland Washington crew is from the west side of the state.
“Inland is a great company to work for,” Poffinbargar said. “I’ve been doing this for four years, and the site superintendent is in his 10th year. These projects are meaningful to us and each community.”
John Pilcher, executive director of Horizon Housing Alliance, said Inland employees “have demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating a complex effort with numerous subcontractors.”
“Their expertise has been instrumental in keeping the project on track, despite an ambitious construction timeline,” Pilcher added. “Inland is a well-oiled machine that knows how to complete these developments. Many well-paying Clarkston jobs are supported by this development.”
The first units are expected to be ready for rent around Christmas. The electrical and plumbing work is done, and insulation is next on the to-do list.
Each building has 24 apartments, and handicap-accessible units will be available on the ground floor. Every unit has its own washer and dryer, a water heater, and air conditioning. Parking will be available, along with electrical vehicle charging stations.
Poffinbargar said vinyl flooring will be installed in every room, and each apartment will be fully equipped with kitchen appliances. His favorite corner unit offers a nice view of the hills overlooking Clarkston.
There are no elevators, but each ground floor apartment is designed for an easy conversion if more ADA accessible units are needed, the foreman said.
Mayor Monika Lawrence recently visited the site and was pleased to see how much work has been completed since a ground-breaking ceremony in mid-November.
“The walk-through was interesting,” she said. “We definitely need housing, and I think this will be a good opportunity for residents to be in brand-new apartments. It will be a big plus for many people.”
Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM
Lawrence said the amenities, such as individual laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a children’s playground and a central mail location should be attractive to potential renters.
“I think a lot of people will be happy to live there,” Lawrence said. “Who wouldn’t want a brand-new place?”
A 2022 market study conducted by Horizon identified a critical shortage of affordable housing in Clarkston, Pilcher said.
“The data is compelling: within a 5-mile radius, there are 2,288 households eligible for subsidized housing, and the vacancy rate for comparable multi-family units was below 1% at the time of the analysis. Clarkston Family Haven directly addresses this gap.”
The community is designed to support families experiencing homelessness or struggling to find safe, affordable housing, Pilcher said. In addition to the apartments, on-site resources will be available in the clubhouse.
Catholic Charities will coordinate a “robust suite” of services, including mental health counseling, substance abuse recovery support, transportation to medical appointments, senior support and employment assistance. Fresh, healthy food distribution is also part of the plan.
“Clarkston Family Haven will be a place where families can find stability, opportunity and a supportive community,” Pilcher said. “Data makes it clear that many Clarkston families are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Clarkston Family Haven offers more than just shelter. It brings hope, restores dignity, and drives meaningful, lasting change.”
The two nonprofit organizations behind the effort are aiming to break cycles of intergenerational poverty with the hope of building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Clarkston, Pilcher said.
The total project cost, including land, design, financing, permits, construction and state and local taxes is capped at $24 million. Funding was secured through the low-income housing tax credit — a federal program administered by the state — and a Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust fund loan.
“Families interested in living at Clarkston Family Haven are encouraged to complete the early intake form,” Pilcher said. “This ensures they’ll receive updates as soon as the official wait list opens, which is expected in mid-to-late summer.”
Once open, applications can be submitted through housing.cceasternwa.org/how-to-apply.
Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
Clarkston Family Haven affordable housing units
Where: 1141 Port Drive, near Walmart.
When: On track to be done by the end of the year. Full projection completion is anticipated for March 2026.
Rent: A one-person, one-bedroom unit starts at $474 a month, and rates range up to $1,315 per month for a three-bedroom family unit.
How to apply: Catholic Charities Eastern Washington is handling leasing. Families can complete an early intake form at housing.cceasternwa.org to get on the waiting list.