On Friday, August 10, Senator Maria Cantwell held a roundtable discussion at the OPAL conference room to find out more about what affordable housing issues we face in San Juan County. Along with the Senator and her staff, the roundtable was attended by OPAL staff, a few board members and residents, San Juan Community Home […]
Join Us for ‘A Gala OPAL Evening’
Please reserve Saturday, June 30 on your calendar and plan to attend OPAL’s annual celebration dinner: Housing Touches Everyone: A Gala OPAL Evening. The event will be held at the Orcas Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. You will enjoy a delicious meal made by Chef Jon Chappelle of Doe Bay Café. Later on, join in the […]
Come to the OPAL Annual Meeting on April 26
Join us on Thursday, April 26 for OPAL’s annual meeting and potluck at the Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Eastsound. At 5:00 p.m., enjoy hors d’oeuvres, business meeting, election of renewing trustees, and a presentation on new rental housing and the new Island Loan Fund. We also will honor retiring Trustee Penny Sharp Sky. At […]
OPAL Gets Gift from Brita Brahce
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 […]