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FAQs
Explore frequently asked questions from our Property Partners, Community Partners, and Governments and Funders. If you cannot find the answer you need here, visit our Contact Us page.
Government and Funders
Can Housing Connector provide services in our area?
We are always looking for new communities to partner with and expand into. We conduct thorough market research to determine if we could be a good fit for a prospective geography. If you are interested in exploring whether Housing Connector is a good fit for your city or county, please reach out to us using our Contact Us page.
How is Housing Connector funded?
We are a 501(c)(3) and are funded through both public dollars (about 70%) and private dollars (about 30%).
Does Zillow receive any money from your partnership?
No, Property Partners do not have to pay to post listings on our Zillow platform. Zillow does not receive money from the partnership and instead has dedicated four full-time positions to build, scale, and maintain the platform through their social impact initiatives.
What is Housing Connector’s role in the system?
Housing Connector is a bridge between Property Partners with vacant units and Community Partners who work with vulnerable populations searching for housing. We solve financial and resident challenges for property partners so they can feel secure in opening doors to more members of our community. For case managers, we provide a streamlined housing search process through our Zillow powered marketplace, and Housing Connector is able to facilitate solutions and bring multiple parties together to problem solve if issues arise.
What percentage of Housing Connector residents stay housed after one year?
To date 88% of residents stay housed in the same unit for at least one year, and 75% stay housed through year two.
Community Partners
What is a Community Partner?
A Community Partner is an organization that currently provides housing services for vulnerable populations that has officially partnered with Housing Connector to increase housing access for individuals most in need. Our Community Partners are regional and national nonprofits and government agencies.
What are the benefits for Community Partners?
We provide an extra layer of support throughout the housing process, making the process simple and successful. Specifically, Housing Connector provides reduced screening criteria for housing applications, free access to units through an exclusive Zillow platform, additional financial support for two years after move-in, and housing stability services for all residents enrolled in our program.
How do I become a Community Partner?
If your organization would like to partner with Housing Connector, you can start an official process by visiting our Community Partnership Overview page.
How do I sign up for training?
Case managers and service providers that have a signed agreement with us can sign up for a virtual training with us, using your organizational work email. You can visit our Trainings page for a list of dates and registration.
What will I learn at the training?
Housing Connector’s 90-minute training covers a wide variety of required topics for using our program, including how to use the Zillow platform, how to enroll clients in our services, tips and tricks for housing clients faster, and eligibility requirements for our program. The training is required for all case managers working with clients.
Property Partners
What is a Property Partner?
Property Partners are owners and management companies who have joined us in our mission and enjoy access to our customer service and a financial guarantee package that reduces risk and vacancies. Our partner property owners/managers reduce screening criteria to help provide housing access to more members of our collective community.
What are the benefits for Property Partners?
Housing Connector helps you lease your unit, protect your bottom line, and support you through the duration of the residency. We offer a single-point of contact for financial support and conflict mediation. Housing Connector provides up to $5,000 in damage mitigation costs, 3-month rent guarantee, and vacancy loss. For households with subsidies, these financial supports will be combined with the Washington State Landlord Mitigation Fund to expand your access to mitigation funds.
How does Housing Connector provide support?
If a resident has a lease violation, follow your company's policies. Once you have initiated your process, contact us at Housing Connector. We will notify the resident's case manager about the issue so that they can offer appropriate support. Once the case manager has connected with the resident and a housing stability plan is in place to address the issue, Housing Connector will provide an update to the Property Partner on next steps and follow up to ensure positive outcomes.
How do I become a Property Partner?
If your property or management company would like to partner with Housing Connector, you can start an official process by visiting our Property Partnership Overview page. To sign up, please contact Housing Connector through our Become a Property Partner page . Housing Connector staff will send you detailed information about the partnership and the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) parameters. Once the MOU is signed, you may list your unit on our exclusive Zillow platform and begin receiving applications.