BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – New affordable housing tailored for Bellingham families is coming to the city’s waterfront district.

The Mercy Millworks Family Housing facility is celebrating its grand opening at 100 W Laurel St. on Aug. 22. 

Millworks has brought 83 new affordable and energy efficient apartments to the community, half of which are two or three-bedroom units. The development includes a six-classroom early learning center operated by the YMCA that can serve up to 100 children inside the Millworks complex. 

Mercy Housing Northwest spokesperson Nathan Box says the facility is already filled, but Mercy is currently accepting applications for its waiting list. 

The apartments are available to families who make under 50% and 60% of the median income in the area, determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For example, a two-bedroom apartment is only available for families making less than $46,000 a year. A tenant’s monthly income still has to be at least two times the monthly rent.

Millworks also offers a select number of apartments for families with extremely low income, which are only available through referral.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $872 to $1,052 per month, depending on the family’s income. A two-bedroom apartment costs between $1,047 and $1,263, and a three-bedroom apartment costs between $1,210 and $1,459. 

“We are especially grateful to our nonprofit partners who continue to step up and say, ‘yes’ to engaging with the community, serving our neighbors and partnering on creative housing solutions,” Mayor Kim Lund said.

The grand opening takes place on Aug. 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 100 W Laurel St. Bellingham, WA.