Northaven

Retirement Community

In 1968, a few members of a small church on the corner of 5th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 95th St. recognized the need for low cost senior housing in North Seattle.  Against great odds, government bureaucracy, and with enormous fortitude and perseverance, they took out second mortgages on their own homes and convinced the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to grant a loan in the sum of $3 million to build Northaven.  This small group of men and women, with full support of the pastor and congregation of Olympic View Community Church of the Brethren, made an “impossible” dream become a reality.  It was truly a remarkable accomplishment.

Today, Northaven is one of the largest and most respected non-profit retirement communities in the greater Seattle area and the only one sponsored by a single, local church congregation.  With 198 apartments, Northaven has been fully occupied since it opened in 1972.

Recognizing a need for the next level of care, assisted living, Northaven II opened in 1992 with a loan obtained based on the successful management of Northaven.  With 40 units, it too has been fully occupied.  Northaven II provides a secure, friendly home for many, including former residents of Northaven who are no longer able to live independently, but can still remain a part of the Northaven “family.”

The Northaven Foundation was created in 1993 with an initial estate gift of $100,000.  Due to generous contributions from the residents and friends of Northaven, the foundation now manages a fund of approximately $1 million.  The mission of the foundation is to help meet the needs of Northaven and Northaven II residents when personal finances become insufficient or Medicaid payments fall short of actual costs.  It also aids in the acquisition of special equipment for the resident community and with financial support to the corporate budget as needed.

Northaven News April 2018


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