Kawabe Memorial House

Kawabe Memorial House is an Independent Living Home in Washington

Kawabe Memorial House is an Independent Living Home in Washington

Kawabe Memorial House

221 18th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 View Map

Kawabe Memorial House is an Independent Living Home in Washington

Kawabe Memorial House is an Independent Living Home in Washington

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Overview of Kawabe Memorial House

Welcome to Kawabe Memorial House, a thriving senior community established in 1969 by the descendants of Harry S. Kawabe. With a mission to provide secure and affordable housing for first-generation immigrant seniors, this ten-story building houses 174 residents, averaging 76 years of age. Located east of Seattle’s International District, the apartments offer stunning views of downtown, Elliott Bay, and the Cascades and Olympic Mountains. Kawabe Memorial House operates as a private non-profit organization, governed by a corporate Board of Directors.

Beyond independent living, the community provides a range of culturally sensitive services, including translation assistance in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, and group recreational outings. Residents can partake in Tai Chi classes, bingo, and Shigin (Japanese singing). Moreover, the Asian menu inspired lunch program, which serves an average of 65 people daily, welcomes both residents and community members aged 60 and above, with menus translated into multiple languages. Kawabe Memorial House exemplifies the power of community involvement, as residents actively contribute to special projects. They raised $10,000 through bake sales and rummage sales for a garden restoration initiative. Additionally, an Arts grant facilitated the creation of sixteen postcards designed by an artist, showcasing residents’ life stories and translated captions in various languages. As part of the same project, residents recorded their narratives in their native languages, creating a captivating listening station within the premises. At Kawabe Memorial House, seniors find not only a safe and affordable place to live but also a close-knit community that cherishes their diverse backgrounds and fosters a sense of purpose and belonging.

(206) 322-4550

Managed by Emiko (Emi) Mizuki

Executive Director

Emiko (Emi) Mizuki serves as the Executive Director of Kawabe Memorial House, leading the community with dedication and care. She oversees operations and ensures a supportive environment for residents and staff alike.

Walk Score
Walk Score: 94 / 100
Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.

About this community

Additional licensing details

Accreditations: Aging Services of Washington, Affordable Housing Management Association of Washington

Safety & Compliance

Care Services

Independent Living

All Levels of Care

Independent Living

Additional Policies & Features

Minimum Age: 62

Amenities & Lifestyle

Programs & Activities

Specific Programs
Calligraphy, flower arranging, bingo, birthday parties, shigin (Japanese singing), computer center, Asian inspired lunch program, community classes and activities.

Dining & Nutrition

Food Description
Asian inspired lunch program five days a week with menus translated into English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

Compare Independent Living around Seattle

The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.
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Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

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#N/A
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Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

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Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

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Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed

Seattle (Ravenna)
7
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86
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Kawabe Memorial House
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Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

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94
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-
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-
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Places of interest near Kawabe Memorial House

Address 1.5 miles from city center — 0.72 miles to nearest hospital (UW Medicine Inpatient Psychiatry at Harborview)

Address 221 18th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

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Guides for Better Senior Living

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Financial Aid for Washington Seniors

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Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

WA Medicaid COPES

Age 65+ or disabled, Washington resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

High demand in urban areas (e.g., Seattle).

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

WA NFCSP

Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), Washington resident.

No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Not applicable.

High urban demand; rural outreach.

Community First Choice (CFC)

Washington Community First Choice

Age 65+ (or disabled 18+), WA resident, Medicaid-eligible, need help with 2+ ADLs/IADLs.

~$2,829/month; QIT optional.

$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Broader than COPES; serves ~20,000; self-directed option.

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Washington OAA Services

Age 60+, WA resident; no income/asset limits.

None; donations encouraged.

Not assessed.

13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Washington Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled, WA resident, Medicare Part A/B.

~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

$9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Washington LIHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized, WA resident, low-income household.

~$3,970/month (185% FPL).

Not assessed.

Covers gas, electric, wood; emergency aid available.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Washington SCSEP

Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, WA resident.

~$1,983/month (125% FPL).

Not specified.

Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, WA resident, wartime service, ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

~$155,356 (net worth).

High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption

Age 61+ or disabled retiree, WA resident, homeowner, income-based.

~$45,000-$70,000/year (varies by county, e.g., King: $70,000).

Not assessed; home value cap varies (~$250,000-$400,000).

Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; offered statewide.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Washington SFMNP

Age 60+, WA resident, low-income.

~$2,322/month (185% FPL).

Not assessed.

Vouchers (~$80/season); serves ~20,000 via AAAs.

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