OPAL intends to build more affordable homes

The OPAL Community Land Trust is attempting to provide affordable housing to those whose income brackets are a little too high for them to qualify for home ownership under current guidelines.

It is acknowledged by many in the local social service fields that islanders in this bracket have the most trouble surviving economically on Orcas Island and throughout the San Juans.

They are individuals with annual incomes up to $39,995, or $57,095 for a family of four. Maximum limits set by government agencies for existing OPAL projects are $33,650 for a single person or $48,100 for a family of four.

OPAL Executive Director Lisa Byers said at the Trust's annual meeting April 2 that it will be challenging to find housing for those with the slightly higher incomes. "We don't have an array of funding sources to meet their needs," she said. But Byers remains optimistic that housing will be found for them. She and the OPAL board are now seeking donations of land where the affordable homes can be built.

OPAL intends to build two such homes this year on Eastsound's Madrona Street. The Trust also hopes to add another 12 later on. It will require one or more donations of land, Byers said.

There remains a strong demand for affordable housing on Orcas Island. Fifteen applicants have completed the paper work and been approved for an OPAL home, Byers said, and several more are in the process of filling out their applications. All of OPAL's existing homes are now occupied.

Byers also announced that OPAL is committed to using "Green" materials -- "homes that are healthy for inhabitants, resource and energy efficient, light on the land, and durable" in future construction. She said that the price of these materials has dropped considerably, and that they can now be used without threatening affordability.

OPAL also awarded Lahari Hospice and Respite Care with its annual Fisher Award for Dedication to the Cause of Fair Housing. Lahari sold OPAL property adjacent to its hospice care facility in Deer Harbor for substantially less than market value. Five affordable homes are now being constructed on the land. They will be ready for occupancy by summer.

A second annual award went to Julie Miller, director of Farmers Market. She received the Sky Award for volunteer service that builds and sustains community.

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