MSC offers supportive housing for veterans and their families in Burien and Federal Way.

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William J. Wood Veterans House

The William J. Wood Veterans House (WJW) opened in December 2016. It offers permanent supportive housing for homeless or imminently homeless veterans and their families. All 44 one, two, and three bedroom units are eligible for rental subsidies through the HUD VASH Program in collaboration with King County Housing Authority.

Amenities include on-site parking, exercise room, community rooms, computer labs, and security. Onsite services including case management, employment assistance, and child advocacy are offered. Onsite classes such as basic education, financial management, technology skills, and job readiness are also offered. Onsite partners offer additional services such as mental health and substance abuse counseling.

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Burien Veterans House

Since 2019, MSC has been operating a six unit transitional housing program for single adults identifying as males who are veterans. MSC leases the house from King County Housing Authority (KCHA), and partners with King County Veterans Programs (KCVP) for referrals and collaborative case management services between MSC and KCVP staff. This program offers dormitory-style housing, with individual bedrooms and common kitchen, bathroom, and living room areas. MSC and KCVP staff work together to support program participants in increasing their job readiness skills, increasing their self-sufficiency, identifying and maintaining permanent affordable housing.

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Eligibility

• Unhoused veterans of any branch (including those who served in the Reserves or National Guard)
• Veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of losing housing after receiving a 30 day notice or less in King County

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How to get help

The majority of referrals for housing come through the VA. You may contact WJW directly for vacancy information and a staff member will be able to provide you with further information.

Referral for Burien Veteran’s House may come through King County Veteran’s Program.

If you are a veteran experiencing literal homelessness, please call (206) 764-5149 for the VA Community Resource and Referral Center.

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What to expect

Support for our tenants includes on-site case management, housing stability support, and increasing their capacity for autonomy and an eventual successful transition into longer term housing. 

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FAQ

Who is William J. Wood?

William J. Wood was a tireless advocate for veterans. He served in the Army as a Warrant Officer during the Vietnam War. Mr. Wood was a long-time member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, an organization based on the principle: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” The organization advocates for full access to quality health care, in particular for disabling injuries and illnesses incurred during military service. After retiring, Mr. Wood, with another veteran, created the Veterans Incarcerated Program that assists veterans who are having issues with the criminal justice system, helps them obtain VA benefits and provides counseling to address service related problems. In 2005, Mr. Wood was part of a group of veterans who advocated for a local property tax levy to fund additional services for veterans. By the end of that year the residents of King County voted and overwhelmingly passed an initiative creating the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy which provides a broad array of services for veterans, their families, and others in need.

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Related Programs

Veterans Navigation Programs

We help veterans and their families who are facing homelessness connect to housing, resources, and support services. If you’re facing homelessness, need help finding a place to live, or just don’t know where to turn, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Affordable Housing

MSC offers affordable housing for individuals, families, and seniors.

Regional Access Point

MSC is one of five Regional Access Points (RAPs) in King County for resources and assistance with finding creative solutions to resolve a housing crisis quickly.

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The William J. Wood Veterans House is possible due to the generous funding of the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund, King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy administered by the King County Housing and Community Development, King County Housing Authority, Federal Home Loan Bank (Umpqua Bank as the sponsor), the National Equity Fund, LISC-NEF Bring Them Homes Initiative with MetLife Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, Impact Capital, Washington Federal Bank, tax credits through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and the generous resources of Multi-Service Center (MSC) and Shelter Resources, Inc.