The Pea Patch Property
An Island Collaboration
Through a collaboration with the Orcas Island Community Foundation, the Orcas Community Resource Center and the Orcas Island Food Bank, OPAL purchased this 11.3 property in Eastsound in December 2023.
The vision is to design a campus on about half of the property that will integrate with neighboring properties (including the Funhouse, Children’s House, Salmonberry School, the Senior Center and Orcas Fire District) and provide new supportive rental housing and new facilities for the Resource Center and Food Bank.
The new Community Resource Center will enable long-term security for social services, recovery programs, a hygiene center and space for mobile outreach services such as medical and dental care, welfare benefits and licensing services.
The new Food Bank facility will include expanded storage, freezer and refrigeration space, more efficient delivery and distribution spaces, a commercial kitchen to provide meals, support food processing and provide food education classes. The expanded food bank can also provide emergency food supplies to the whole island if needed in times of disaster.
The facilities will be designed to be highly energy efficient and take advantage of the site’s solar exposure to be powered by renewable energy.
THE NEXT STEP:
Community members are invited to participate in a Community Design Workshop on Saturday afternoon, April 6, 2:00 – 4:00 at the School Cafeteria.
To learn more about the project, contact Lisa Byers at 360-376-3191.