Open Doors for Multicultural Families Secures $12 Million in State Funding for

Kent, WA – The signing of the Washington State Budget by Governor Bob Ferguson marks a historic milestone for Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF). The organization has been awarded $12 million for a capital request to fund the community-focused spaces at Kent Multicultural Village, a groundbreaking initiative that will provide inclusive housing, critical family resources, and early learning opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Kent Multicultural Village is being developed in partnership with Mercy Housing Northwest. The $12 million capital award will fund:

· A regional Early Learning Center, addressing the severe shortage of early learning spaces for children ages 3–5, with and without disabilities. In addition, the center will serve as a workforce development hub, training Early Childhood Educators and Childcare Providers to create inclusive learning environments for young children with disabilities.

· A Family Resource Center, expanding ODMF’s services to support over 2,000 families annually with case management, systems navigation, advocacy, and culturally responsive programs that empower individuals with IDD and their caregivers.

“This project will not only benefit Kent—it will serve as a regional resource for individuals and families navigating IDD across King County, Pierce County, and beyond,” said Senator Tina Orwall (33rd LD), a key supporter of the initiative. “By investing in the Kent Multicultural Village, we are creating housing and services for those in immediate need while setting a precedent for inclusive community development across Washington.”

For Executive Director Ginger Kwan, this project is deeply personal. As a mother of a child with disabilities, she has spent years fighting for inclusive spaces where families can live, grow, and access the services they need to thrive.

“When I started Open Doors, it was because families like mine were struggling to find the support we needed: not just services, but a true sense of belonging. We were isolated,

navigating systems that weren’t built for us, and constantly fighting just to be heard,” said Ginger Kwan, Executive Director of ODMF. “The Kent Multicultural Village is the realization of a dream, one that started with parents asking, ‘Where will my child live? Where will they be safe, supported, and accepted?’ This isn’t just another housing development. It’s a community, built from the ground up with and for families like ours. And today, with this funding, we’re one step closer to making it a reality.”

While securing $12 million is a huge step forward, ODMF must raise an additional $3 million before the end of the year to break ground. The organization is calling on community leaders, businesses, and individual donors to step up and help bring this vision to life.

In addition to the community spaces at Kent Multicultural Village, Mercy Housing Northwest and ODMF are developing 233 units of affordable housing, with 20% designed and designated for individuals with IDD and their families.

“The Kent Multicultural Village represents the future of community-centered development—one that is equitable, inclusive, and rooted in access to opportunity for all, said Joe Thompson, Mercy Housing Northwest’s President. “As a model of Equitable Transit Oriented Development, this project connects families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the housing, education, and resources they need. We are proud to partner with Open Doors for Multicultural Families to bring this vision to life and to help create a community where everyone, regardless of ability or background, can thrive.”

Thanks to the leadership of Washington lawmakers and the dedication of advocates, this funding marks a historic investment in inclusive housing and family-centered resources. As ODMF continues to move forward, the organization remains committed to ensuring that individuals with IDD and their families have the stability, connection, and support they deserve.

ODMF remains dedicated to actively incorporating feedback from the individuals and families we work with, ensuring that their lived experiences shape every step of our work. By working alongside Mercy Housing Northwest and community partners, we are laying the foundation for a transformative model of inclusion, one that will serve families across the region for generations to come.

To contribute or learn more about the Kent Multicultural Village, visit opendoorswa.org or contact Andrea Kassa, Director of Development, at andreak@opendoorswa.org.