LIHI emphasizes racial equality and justice through partnerships with African American churches in Seattle, Skyway, and Tukwila. These churches have contributed significantly to addressing housing and homelessness by sponsoring tiny house villages and developing affordable housing on their properties. Notable collaborations include the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, which helped launch Seattle’s first sanctioned tiny house village in 2015 and developed an 86-unit supportive housing building in 2022. Other churches, such as True Vine of Holiness Missionary Baptist Church and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, have also partnered with LIHI on various housing initiatives.

LIHI honors influential Black figures by naming its buildings after them. These include George Fleming, Washington’s first African American state senator; Tyree Scott, a civil rights leader; Larry Gossett, a human rights advocate; and Ernestine Anderson, a renowned jazz singer. Each name reflects a legacy of service and commitment to racial justice and community support. This initiative celebrates Black History Month while highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat homelessness and promote affordable housing in the region.