In the spirit of the holidays, Brita Brahce made a generous donation to OPAL, helping to bring the April’s Grove affordable rental neighborhood one step closer to reality. Brita and her story were featured in an article in Orcas Issues. Margie Doyle writes, “A young woman values the community and mission of OPAL Community Land […]
OICF pledges $250k to April’s Grove housing development | $450,000 in pledges still needed by January
Click here to read the entire story by Colleen Armstrong, The Islands’ Sounder. OPAL Community Land Trust’s 45-unit rental project is inching its way closer to completion thanks to a major donation from the Orcas Island Community Foundation. After an in-depth assessment and board discussion, the foundation chose to pledge $250,000 to the April’s Grove […]
Eastsound Vision Survey — Request an Invite!
Be a part of the voice that shapes Eastsound over the next 20 years. Request an invite to the Eastsound Vision Survey . Share your views and opinions on Livability. Open Space, Village Character, and Parking/Lighting/Transportation.
OPAL Now Owns Land for April’s Grove!
Affordable Rental Housing Planned In August, OPAL purchased 3.8 acres of land in Eastsound for April’s Grove, The property is located on North Beach Road, directly across the street from Children’s House. Plans include 45 rental townhouses that are affordable for individuals and families whose incomes range from $12,000 to $70,000 per year. The […]
Another “Recycled” House
Latest House Arrives from Lake Union OPAL’s eleventh “recycled house” arrived on island August 17th. Previously, it was located on Lake Union in Seattle, where Peter Erickson and Brigitte Bertschi raised their family. After learning about OPAL’s history of relocating houses, they decided to donate their much-loved home, along with funding to help pay for […]
Picnic & Rally — Let’s Hear It for Affordable Housing!
Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib and Sen. Kevin Ranker Address OPAL Rally Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib and Senator Kevin Ranker spoke in support of affordable housing at the OPAL Rally at the Village Green on July 12th. “OPAL, for years, has been the driving force in making sure that we maintain the diversity in our community,” […]
Creating Affordable Housing — 2017 Proposed Legislation
Increase the chances for getting new rental housing on Orcas Island by asking your Washington State legislators to vote for policies that help create affordable housing. Prohibit income discrimination. Currently, in Washington State, a landlord may refuse to rent to someone who uses a housing voucher to pay for rent. Learn more and send an […]
OPAL Recaps Busy Year, Honors Lisa Byers at 2016 Annual Meeting
Following a recap of OPAL Community Land Trust’s activities in 2015 and the election and recognition of new and retiring trustees, a highlight of OPAL’s 26th annual meeting on April 26 was the surprise celebration of Lisa Byers’ 20 years of leadership as executive director.. “Lisa became executive director of OPAL in 1996,” said co-founder […]
Please Join Us … OPAL 2016 Annual Meeting
The OPAL 2016 Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26 in the Parish Hall of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Eastsound. The event begins at 5 P.M. and the first hour includes hors d’oeuvres, a brief business meeting and the year-in-review presentation by Lisa Byers. At approximately 6 P.M., we’ll enjoy a potluck […]
Look at What You Made Possible
Your donations covered the costs of moving and renovating this house. Here you see it arriving by barge on Orcas Island. And here’s how it appears today, providing a loving home for a single mom who has lived on Orcas most of her life. She joins nine other homeowners who have been able […]