Here in Kitsap County we’re working hard to turn this around, but we’ll need the community’s help to make our vision a reality.

The planned redevelopment of the Bremerton Housing Authority’s Westpark community will be one of the largest redevelopment projects in our city’s history. But the goodwill and involvement of the Bremerton community are going to be critical to our success. As each phase of the project is completed over the next four years, more than 500 families will need to move out of Westpark and transition into the broader community.

This presents an opportunity for this region to get to know our residents, a group of strong and inspiring people who simply need a helping hand as they work to become more self-sufficient. Many of our residents are taking advantage of BHA’s challenging enrichment programs, helping them improve as employees, renters and neighbors. The road to self-sufficiency is challenging, and we applaud our residents for their tenacity and courage. We are proud of the personal transformation many of our residents have achieved through programs such as the Key to a Better Life and Family Self-Sufficiency programs, and our various homeownership assistance and education programs.

The successful redevelopment of Westpark depends on the hospitality of Bremerton and the greater Kitsap County area. I’m confident that our residents will receive a warm welcome, and I want to highlight a great program that will be integral in making this transition more beneficial to everyone — the Housing Choice Voucher program (HCV). Often referred to as “Section 8,” this program allows landlords to find qualified renters, receive guaranteed rent, and lower their vacancy rate with great tenants.

Landlords, property managers and property owners are encouraged to subject rental applications received through HCV to the same scrutiny and screening processes that they conduct for all prospective tenants. There is a tendency to marginalize the needs of residents by painting a picture in which people are “taking advantage of the system.” Contrary to what some may believe, our residents are not chronically reliant on our housing programs. Westpark residents participate in our programs an average of no more than five years.

Our hope is that the HCV program will help eliminate any barriers that might prevent property owners and landlords from participating in the rejuvenation of the Westpark community.

For 60 years, BHA has been working to relieve the shortage of decent, safe and affordable housing while creating opportunities for our residents to learn self-sufficiency and to improve their lives. These are good people who simply need a hand up.

More than half of Americans have lost faith in our country’s efforts to provide affordable housing. Let’s keep Kitsap County on the right track.

Kurt Wiest
Executive Director
Bremerton Housing Authority