The Housing Authority of Grant County (HAGC) was established in 1946 by the Moses Lake City Council to address affordable housing issues. Their primary mission—to provide, maintain, and develop quality housing and neighborhoods for people “facing barriers” in Grant County—hasn’t really changed in all those years. Currently, one of those projects undertaken by HAGC is the Karen Lane Apartments in Ephrata. Ephrata, located in the heart of Washington farming community, is about 20 minutes outside of Moses Lake. This property was funded through the WCRA’s Tax-Exempt Bond Pilot Program.

Built in 1976, the Karen Lane includes 24 two-bedroom/one-bath apartments situated in six one-story buildings on 2.51 acres. Rent is $445 per unit. Each building has its own laundry room, and each tenant has a storage locker. The apartments are operated as subsidized low-income family housing through the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development, which requires that all of the units be occupied by tenants at a maximum of 50 percent of the median income for Grant County.

Due to its convenient proximity to shopping and services, the apartments are primarily occupied by senior citizens. The HAGC is currently undertaking rehabilitation improvements and upgrades to the property. This work involves repair and maintenance as well as modifications for handicap accessibility.