Scattered Sites

Houses Located in Eastsound, Rosario, Olga and Obstruction Pass

In 2001 OPAL initiated a Scattered Sites program and over the years has added single-family residences in a range of locations. Most houses were acquired and renovated by OPAL, using a combination of Washington State grants and private donations. A number of houses were donated outright.

Properties developed without any government funding are available to households earning more than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), as long as household income and assets are not sufficient to purchase a market-rate home.

Some examples of how OPAL’s scattered-site houses have been acquired:

• A couple donated land in Eastsound to OPAL; two cottage-style houses were planned and built by OPAL on the lot.

• Sandy Thompson wanted her 900-sq.-ft. rental house to remain affordable and valued having a year-round resident in the neighborhood. She sold the house near Obstruction Pass to OPAL at a bargain price, and OPAL resold the residence, with a leasehold interest in the land.

• Philip Rife donated his 1,200-sq.-ft. residence to OPAL when he moved to an off-island retirement community. OPAL renovated and resold the house, located on a one-acre lot in Eastsound.

 “OPAL housing helps allow room for all people – all economic categories – on the island. It appeals to my sense of social justice, helping us to realize the great diversity of who we are as humans.”
– Pastor of church in Eastsound