Submitted by Melora Hiller, co-chair, Housing Lopez Board of Directors

If you’re like me, you love this island for many reasons: the land and seascape, the farms and friendliness, the space and the pace, and the small-town, big-hearted community vibe that keeps people connected to each other and to this rock we call home. And yet, much of what makes Lopez Island special is at risk. If regular people can’t afford to live here, the beloved character — and characters — of the island will vanish.

And yet, right now, too many Lopezians are struggling to find and sustain housing. Instead, many are living in substandard places, paying too much for rent, or constantly on the move — housesitting, couch surfing, camping and living in temporary situations. We have seniors who can’t afford to keep their homes warm, families who choose between rent and food, and people who juggle multiple jobs just to get by.

Housing Lopez believes that having a decent, secure and affordable place to live shouldn’t be this difficult. Since 2018, we’ve worked to ensure that individuals and families working on the island can find safe, affordable and secure housing, and employers can hire staff with stable living situations.

The organization’s inaugural project, FishBay Cottages, was completed in 2021, providing six two-bedroom homes for essential workers, including child care providers, grocery staff and firefighters. This development demonstrated the feasibility of affordable rental housing on Lopez Island.

Building on this success, Housing Lopez is currently developing Village North, a new 15-unit affordable rental community. This project consists of four two-story structures with one- and two-bedroom apartments, built by Method Homes, the same company that constructed FishBay Cottages. Village North is the first phase of a three-phase plan to build up to 45 units on the site, with the first phase expected to be completed in mid-2025. This development aims to serve individuals earning up to 50% of the area median income, further addressing the pressing housing needs of Lopez residents.

“This is a critical time for our organization,” Hiller emphasized. “We’ve added a full-time executive director, but the challenges of building and managing affordable housing require a robust and committed board. Our board members bring the perspectives and relationships that will make these projects a reality.”

To support its expanding initiatives, Housing Lopez welcomes individuals who share our vision to join its board of directors. Experience in finance, communications, construction, fundraising or property management are a plus! Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in committees such as project development or fundraising and advocate for affordable housing policies within the community. For those unable to commit to a board position, Housing Lopez also welcomes advisors who can share their expertise in a more informal capacity.

Community members interested in contributing to the mission of Housing Lopez are encouraged to reach out for more information. By joining Housing Lopez, community members can play a crucial role in preserving the unique character of Lopez Island and ensuring it remains a thriving, diverse and accessible community for all.

To learn more about Housing Lopez, visit our website at www.housinglopez.org.

To speak with a board member, contact MeloraHiller@housinglopez.org.