LIHI worked to support the efforts of homeless individuals who established an emergency shelter in a "bus barn" at the Seattle Center in 1990.
The Aloha Inn and Arion Court were, at their inception, revolutionary concepts for implementing democratic decision-making and self-governance among traditionally disenfranchised populations.
[citation needed] The incorporation of LIHI as an organization in 1991 resulted from the leadership of three founding board members: Frank Chopp of the Fremont Public Association, Michael Reichert of Catholic Community Services, and Scott Morrow of SHARE.
LIHI programs serve homeless and low-income people in Snohomish, King, Island, Kitsap, Pierce and Thurston Counties.
LIHI housing serves communities in Seattle, Lynnwood, Lacey, Olympia, Tacoma, Bremerton, and smaller towns throughout the region.
[2] Residents include the working poor, low-income families, individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, and women and children at risk.
The URS is a clean, safe and dignified environment that has 5 private shower rooms, 9 washer and 13 dryer units, and a large men's and women's restroom.
LIHI staff and a wide range of experts write articles on federal, state and local policy, current events and grassroots activities in the affordable housing arena.