Affordable Housing on Whidbey Island
Home on Whidbey Community Land Trust
Contributed by Sandra Stipe & Si Fisher
Here at Windermere Whidbey, we are dedicated to building sustainable communities for generations to come. We realize that truly affordable homeownership opportunities are key to maintaining a stable workforce and strengthening our economy. Local supporters of affordable housing are following the lead of the neighboring San Juan Islands who have successfully created Community Land Trusts to permanently address this critical need.
Introducing: Home on Whidbey (HOW) Community Land Trust (CLT)
Home on Whidbey (HOW) is based on a traditional Community Land Trust (CLT) model, a non-profit organization created to hold land for the benefit of a community and the individuals within.
The CLT acquires property through purchase or donation, removing the land from the speculative real estate market, and providing homes for individuals and families who would otherwise be squeezed out of the housing market due to their income level. CLT homeownership is a highly successful model across the nation, creating high quality, always affordable homes.
So how does the HOW CLT work?
HOW uses a shared equity model of housing, combining community investment with income qualified homebuyers.
The Homeowner owns the home structure and pays a nominal fee to lease the land it sits on, and agrees to a resale formula that maintains affordability for future owners.
Subsequent sales of the home are based on a re-sale formula providing a fair return for the first owner while keeping the home's price accessible to future buyers.
For more information on
Community Land Trusts
check out:
The Regenerative Real Estate Podcast
Wondering what buying a home on Whidbey would look like for you?
Benefits to individual and families:
- HOW provides access to affordable homes in markets that may otherwise be out of reach for people with limited incomes.
- HOW allows for homeowners to build equity on their investment with a reasonable rate of return.
- HOW helps create stable and secure homes, promoting healthy families and financial stability.
- HOW supports homeowners with homebuyer education, home maintenance workshops, membership participation, and leadership opportunities.
Community benefits:
- HOW provides affordable and stable housing options to attract and retain workers who would otherwise be priced out of the housing market. This creates a reliable workforce for local businesses, while improving the overall economic stability of the community.
- HOW protects local residents from rising property values that often displace individuals and families with lower and moderate income.
- HOW promotes strong community ties and the connection that comes from putting down roots.
The best part is we don’t have to wonder if this model works… it has already proven to be successful right here in our backyard on Orcas Island!
The OPAL CLT projects, on Orcas Island, have been wildly successful in creating a positive impact on the individuals, families, and overall community.
“When I learned about the possibility of buying an OPAL house, it was like someone opened a window on the rest of my life. The insecurities were gone. My three daughters and I would have a roof over our heads and a home that I could afford. My children could grow up on the island where they belong. I would have neighbors I could count on for support. Even now it is hard to describe what OPAL offered us and what a difference it has made in our lives.” – Former OPAL Homeowner
If you would like to know more about the OPAL CLT, check out the video and links below:
Living at OPAL | Orcas Island on Vimeo
Creating Affordable Homes for the Orcas Island Community
Conclusion:
Affordable housing is crucial for the wellbeing of our residents and our economy. HOW Community Land Trust is dedicated to providing permanently affordable homes and thriving communities here on Whidbey Island.
By supporting affordable housing projects, Windermere Whidbey is working towards creating a more vibrant and thriving community for all. This commitment to the community reflects our belief that everyone deserves access to safe and affordable housing, regardless of their income level. We invite you to join us as Members of HOW CLT.
To learn more about HOW CLT and how you may become a supporter/member please check out their Website and Facebook page.
Article contributed by:
Sandra Stipe
Si Fisher
New Year's Eve Events
Whidbey Island - 2022
Contributed by Si Fisher
The New Year is upon us! Time to bid farewell to 2022, and what better way to do it than to attend a New Year's Eve event on beautiful Whidbey Island!
If you are interested in live music in Langley, firework displays in Oak Harbor, or karaoke & drinks in Freeland then read on!
Top 3 Picks for New Year's Eve events on Whidbey Island - 2022
Curious about extending your stay on Whidbey Island well beyond the holidays?
1. Live Music at Bayview Hall in Langley
Come one come all!
All ages, live music, New Year's Eve extravaganza!
Featuring four musical performances from Whidbey Island's local artist roster!
Adult beverages will be available to purchase, and the music starts at 7PM and goes until Midnight!
Make sure to support all the beautiful musicians and organizers that are helping to put this event on with a suggested $10 (minimum) at the door.
Bring your dancing shoes and I will see you there!
Directions to Bayview Hall - 5642 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA 98260
2. Fireworks at Windjammer Park - Oak Harbor
Fireworks! Need I say more?
Watching fireworks on New Year's Eve is an activity that has been enjoyed for over a century. A firework display can bring joy and excitement to all who watch. The thrill of the countdown, the booming sound of each firework and the bright colors illuminating the sky—all of these come together to make New Year's Eve a special event.
Fireworks will start at the family friendly time of 9PM in Oak Harbor's favorite oceanside recreational area, Windjammer Park.
The cost of entry is $9. Come enjoy the festivities!
Directions to Windjammer Park - 1600 S. Beeksma Drive, Oak Harbor
3. Karaoke & Drinks - Penn Cove Brewery in Freeland
Sing in the New Year!
Singing karaoke on New Year's Eve is a time-honored tradition for many. There’s something special about choosing your favorite song and joining in with other partiers to sing along. Whether you’re belting out a classic rock anthem or crooning your way through a sappy love song, karaoke is the perfect way to welcome in the new year.
Penn Cove Brewery Company has got your covered. They will be hosting a karaoke night on the 31st at their taproom in Freeland. Hosted by Noah 'Hard Orange'. Food & drink will be available. Bring your friends and make it a night to remember!
Other notable mentions:
"Get your tickets for a four course prix fixe dinner paired with some of our favorites! Our chef @michelrymple will make some scrumptious dishes to go along with Island-tied and Eastside- famous @jbneufeldwine!!
Tickets at thefaremarket.com"
Those Guys NYE Happy Hour!
"Early birds, this show's for you! Put on something sparkly and celebrate New Year's Eve with a fabulous drink at this swanky speakeasy, and still be home in plenty of time to watch the ball drop in NYC! Or, I guess, you could go out to dinner, a party or another show afterward. Your call."
New Year's Eve Mike Gallion and a few friends will be bringing live music back to Cozy Corner's Roadhouse in Clinton. Time will be from 7 pm to 9 pm or beyond.
New Year's Eve is a special night and one that deserves celebrating in some way. Whether it’s watching fireworks, seeing live music, or singing karaoke.
No matter what path you take to bring in the New Year, these exciting traditions guarantee not only an enjoyable time with friends and family but also happy memories that will last long after 2022 ends.
So let’s raise a glass and wish each other the best as we look forward to an even more wonderful 2023!
Happy New Year!
Article contributed by:
Si Fisher
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