Imagine Housing: The Future of Affordable Housing on the Eastside

Providing access to affordable housing on the Eastside has been a challenge for decades. Long before Bellevue became the city it is today, locals identified a need for more housing options to support diverse populations facing instability. So, in 1987, a small group of volunteers from St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church took action, fundraising for a new housing development to provide stable homes for lower-income residents. That effort grew into what is now Imagine Housing, an organization that has created 639 affordable housing units across the Eastside.

“We as a region are in a very pivotal moment right now. We are solely focused on the Eastside because it is our home and there will always be a need here – that need right now is exceptionally great,” says President Yi Zhao.

For Yi, the organization’s mission is deeply personal. Growing up in an immigrant household that frequently moved from place to place, he experienced firsthand the challenges of housing instability. His family often struggled to find affordable rent, and only when they were finally able to settle did he recognize the stabilizing impact of long-term housing. This realization led him to pursue a career in affordable housing, working with organizations like King County Housing Authority and Plymouth Housing before joining Imagine Housing. Now, he finds joy in giving back to the region where he grew up.

“Housing by itself is not enough – that's just four walls and a roof. At Imagine Housing, we work to provide homes that are safe, quality, and comfortable,” says Yi. “We put a lot of effort into ensuring that our properties are warm and welcoming.” 

A key component of Imagine Housing's work is its resident services. Many of their buildings have on-site case managers who provide financial literacy training in partnership with banks, mental health services, and support for those transitioning from homelessness. New residents are often greeted with welcome baskets and can access food resources through local food banks. Some are even provided with Medicaid support. Each of these facets demonstrates Imagine's commitment to tailoring services to the unique needs to each of their buildings' population, whether they are exiting homelessness, working families, veterans, or elderly residents.

Beyond providing homes, Imagine Housing is focused on the future. Ensuring younger generations have access to stable, affordable housing with reasonable commutes is a priority. “It takes being able to walk around and see yourself represented in a community to want to live there,” Yi notes.

However, affordability and access remain significant challenges. Rising costs in construction, property operations, insurance, and utilities make it difficult to keep up with demand. While Imagine Housing benefits from partnerships with organizations like Amazon and the City of Bellevue, additional collaboration is necessary. Yi sees systemic changes as key to scaling housing development. By removing barriers and advocating for policies that enable more large-scale projects, the industry can better meet the ambitious housing goals set by cities like Bellevue.

“We may not have the resources for that scale, but someone else does, and we can work together,” Yi explains. Imagine Housing actively seeks to bring in other developers and providers to expand housing access, recognizing that meaningful progress requires industry-wide collaboration.

Imagine Housing's mission would not be possible without community support. Their annual fundraiser, Building Community Together, will take place on April 11th at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The event will raise critical funds over auctions, a lively dinner, and a chance to connect with the community. People will gather to celebrate homes as more than just buildings, but as foundations for stability and growth. 

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.