$4.7 Million Awarded to Rural Resources to Renovate Affordable Housing in Metaline Falls
Metaline Falls, WA — Rural Resources Community Action has been awarded $4.7 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce to renovate Kaniksu Village, a 22-unit affordable housing community for low-income families in Metaline Falls.
Kaniksu Village in Metaline Falls has 22 affordable housing units.
Funding was awarded through Washington’s Housing Trust Fund Program, which provides capital investments to support the development and preservation of affordable housing throughout the state. The funding award was the result of a joint effort between Rural Resources, Pend Oreille County, the Spokane Housing Authority, and the Office of Rural & Farmworkers Housing.
“Thanks to these partners, we received the political, financial, and technical support needed to move forward on this renovation,” said Bryan Raines, Rural Resources CEO. “Strong local support and partnerships are critical for projects of this scale to gain traction, and we’re deeply grateful for the teamwork and collaborative effort that made this funding possible.”
Raines continued, “One of the most significant challenges identified in our recent Community Needs Assessment was the lack of affordable housing in these rural, remote communities. Preserving Kaniksu Village helps address that need in North Pend Oreille County.”
In addition to political support, Rural Resources received funding from Pend Oreille County to do emergency repairs and to administer a study of the apartment complex, the results of which were used to apply for the grant.
Said Robert Rosencrantz, Pend Oreille County Commissioner: “The trust the [Pend Oreille] County Commissioners have in Rural Resources gave them confidence to allocate County money that was needed for studies of Kaniksu Village, which allowed for preparation of a winning grant application.”
He continued, “This grant means that critical affordable housing in Metaline Falls will be preserved. It also represents a significant step in the right direction for the economic revitalization of North Pend Oreille County.”
The Kaniksu Village Apartments serve low-income families in the Metaline Falls area, with rental assistance funding provided through the Spokane Housing Authority. The property has required significant upgrades for several years, and the new funding will be used to fully renovate all unit interiors, as well as replace roofs, plumbing, and electrical components.
The apartments are on 5th Avenue, near the Main Street area in Metaline Falls.
“Kaniksu Village is more than housing – it’s a home for 22 families,” said Pam Parr, Executive Director of the Spokane Housing Authority. “This funding award allows Rural Resources to preserve that stability and keep our neighbors rooted in the community they love. Spokane Housing Authority is honored to partner with Rural Resources to ensure Kaniksu Village remains a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Three vacant units will be renovated first, into which current residents will move while their units undergo renovations. Units will be updated three at a time until the remodel is complete. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 and is expected to be completed by June 2027.
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Contact: Alaina Kowitz, Communications & Outreach Manager | akowitz@ruralresources.org | 509-684-8124 x5010
