Journey Housing and Payee Services is an Everett-based non-profit company with a two-fold mission:
- The Housing arm create affordable housing programs that empower people living with developmental disabilities to discover their potential, live independently with supportive services, and engage in community life. This is accomplished as a property management agency.
- The Payee Services arm provides representative and protective payee services to Washington residents who need assistance in managing their personal financial affairs. Priority is given to the payment of rent and utilities to assist people in keeping their housing.
As a Housing agency, Journey Housing and Payee Services acquires or leases properties and rents them to qualifying individuals. We partner with Sunrise Services, Inc. and other service agencies to provide supportive services to help tenants achieve greater stability. We currently operate 12 properties, comprised of 22 units in Everett and Marysville.
Payee Services, is open to Washington residents and helps individuals manage various types of income, including Social Security benefits (retirement or disability), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), tribal funds, pensions and employment wages. Approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA), clients are frequently referred to this program by the SSA or other services agencies.
Journey Housing and Payee Services currently serves approximately 450 clients in Washington state.
Our main office is in Everett located at 1520 Broadway, Suite 103 in Everett, WA 98201, by appointment only.
Mission
The mission of Journey Housing and Payee Services is to provide affordable housing opportunities and financial management services that enhance the dignity and quality of life for persons living with disabilities.
Vision
Journey Housing and Payee Services believes we can create a community in which all persons have the right to a safe and stable home and the resources to succeed.
Values
Our work is guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
- Respect – We treat all people with dignity and respect and embrace diversity
- Compassion – We are committed to helping people have a better quality of life by providing safe, affordable housing and assistance in managing their finances
- Innovation – We strive for excellence through creatively responding to the needs of the community
- Inclusiveness – We believe all people living with disabilities have the right to benefit from living in their community
- Collaboration – We value and embrace community partnerships that support us in strengthening our mission
History
Journey Housing and Payee Services was established in 1996 as Washington Home of Your Own (WAHOYO), and incorporated in 2000. WAHOYO was a sub-recipient of funds that assisted more than 35 community members with physical and developmental disabilities to receive down payment assistance, specialized financing, and the ability to purchase their first homes. Many of these clients still are in their homes today.
In 2007, WAHOYO reinvented itself to become a lead agency in the development and management of affordable housing programs, while also offering supportive services to the tenants through partnership with Sunrise Services.
In July of 2008, WAHOYO was approved by the Social Security Administration to act as representative and protective payee for residents in Washington.
In August 2018, WAHOYO changed its name to Journey Housing and Payees Services, to better reflect our services and focus on rentals and payee services.