Northwest Justice Project advocates for Senate Bill 5686 funding to prevent foreclosures

The House Housing Committee convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss critical legislation impacting housing and foreclosure prevention in Washington State. The meeting featured testimonies and discussions surrounding Senate Bill 5686 and Senate Bill 5587, both aimed at addressing housing challenges.

The session began with a testimony from the managing attorney of the Northwest Justice Project (NJP), who expressed strong support for Senate Bill 5686. This bill is crucial for the continuation of NJP's foreclosure prevention services, which have been operational for 15 years. The attorney highlighted that without new funding, NJP would be forced to close its foreclosure prevention unit by July. Since its inception, NJP has handled over 9,300 foreclosure-related cases, preserving approximately $38 million in equity for low and middle-income homeowners. The bill also introduces mediation options for homeowners facing condominium or homeowners association (HOA) foreclosures, addressing a significant gap in current protections.

Representative Dufo raised questions regarding NJP's funding, noting that the organization's budget has increased over the years. The attorney responded that funding varies by project and is often grant-based, indicating a need for more detailed follow-up on budget allocations.

Following this discussion, the committee shifted focus to Senate Bill 5587, which pertains to affordable housing development. Serena Dolly, a staff member for the committee, provided an overview of the bill, which mandates the Washington Center for Real Estate Research to conduct biennial analyses of housing supply and needs across counties. This analysis will help identify gaps in housing availability and inform funding priorities for local governments. The bill emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and encourages projects that promote affordable housing in areas with identified needs.

The meeting concluded without further questions, marking a significant step in legislative efforts to enhance housing stability and affordability in Washington State. The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for funding and strategic planning to support vulnerable homeowners and address the ongoing housing crisis.