What better use of old island acreage than to provide food, shelter and support for folks who are living here? Preliminary outline on the property use by each organization It’s a rare opportunity with great potential for good: OPAL is collaborating with the Orcas Island Community Foundation, the Food Bank, the Community Resource Center and […]
Housing Security Creates Happier, Healthier Families
Sara Lucia is grateful to be an OPAL homeowner. She attributes the affordability of her home as an important part of why she and her husband have been able to make some needed changes in their lives. Most recently, it has given them the opportunity to “change jobs, spend more time as a family, [and] […]
The “Hidden Homelessness”
Homelessness on Orcas looks different than in urban areas. Many rural homeless individuals live in places we do not see. They may be in the woods on private property, cars, sheds, tents and other places not intended for permanent habitation. Many live in substandard housing or RVs without adequate heat, water or septic. On Orcas, […]
Nurturing the Communities of Wild Rose Meadow: John and Vicki Clancy
Key to ensuring the growth and health of the wetlands in Wild Rose Meadow has been the years of dedicated work by neighborhood volunteers John and Vicki Clancy, steadfast stewards of the land who adopted the wetlands as their ecological ward.
Answering the Need: 10 New Homes on Kidder Way
There are currently more than 40 Orcas families who are pre-approved to purchase an OPAL home. You know these islanders. They are our construction workers, landscapers, housekeepers, teachers, customer service, automotive, hospitality, office and retail staff. In answer to this need for housing, OPAL is seeking $1.9 million from the County’s Home Fund to build […]
Your Support for OPAL Ripples Beyond Orcas Island
The welcome mat is always out when other Community Land Trusts (CLTs) want to visit Orcas. They come to see OPAL neighborhoods, ask questions and share insights. OPAL staff and trustees appreciate the opportunity and the exchange. As one of the Northwest’s first CLTs, OPAL has developed many different types of housing, successfully adapted […]
Working for the Long Haul: Your Gifts Create Healthier Housing
The last two years have provided OPAL with the opportunity to conserve long-term rental housing on the island. Nineteen affordable rentals, at Northern Heights across from the library and on Mt. Baker Road near the airport, came on the market in 2021. With some timely help from you and other supporters, OPAL purchased the properties […]
OPAL and PSCCU Explore Joint Venture
Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU) recently purchased the building at 221 A Street in Eastsound, where the post office is located. The credit union wants the current business tenants to remain in the building and plans to establish a retail branch for the credit union on the same property. PSCCU also wants to help […]
Celebrating the Roots of Home
OPAL Gala Returns Focus to Homeownership The OPAL Gala kicks off at noon this Friday, June 24 and runs through Sunday, June 26. The theme for this year, Celebrating the Roots of Home, lifts up the power of homeownership opportunities for islanders. For the past decade, OPAL has focused mainly on rental housing; both through […]
OPAL’s Purchase of the Northern Heights Apartments is Fully Funded!
Thanks to the support of many islanders, the Northern Heights Apartments across from the library will continue to be year-round and affordable rental housing. OPAL Community Land Trust will purchase and then renovate the property. The current tenants will be able to stay. After learning last December that the Washington State Housing Trust Fund would […]
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