Sara Lucia is grateful to be an OPAL homeowner. She attributes the affordability of her home as an important part of why she and her husband have been able to make some needed changes in their lives. Most recently, it has given them the opportunity to “change jobs, spend more time as a family, [and] […]
The “Hidden Homelessness”
Homelessness on Orcas looks different than in urban areas. Many rural homeless individuals live in places we do not see. They may be in the woods on private property, cars, sheds, tents and other places not intended for permanent habitation. Many live in substandard housing or RVs without adequate heat, water or septic. On Orcas, […]
Nurturing the Communities of Wild Rose Meadow: John and Vicki Clancy
Key to ensuring the growth and health of the wetlands in Wild Rose Meadow has been the years of dedicated work by neighborhood volunteers John and Vicki Clancy, steadfast stewards of the land who adopted the wetlands as their ecological ward.
Working for the Long Haul: Your Gifts Create Healthier Housing
The last two years have provided OPAL with the opportunity to conserve long-term rental housing on the island. Nineteen affordable rentals, at Northern Heights across from the library and on Mt. Baker Road near the airport, came on the market in 2021. With some timely help from you and other supporters, OPAL purchased the properties […]
OPAL and PSCCU Explore Joint Venture
Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU) recently purchased the building at 221 A Street in Eastsound, where the post office is located. The credit union wants the current business tenants to remain in the building and plans to establish a retail branch for the credit union on the same property. PSCCU also wants to help […]
OPAL’s Purchase of the Northern Heights Apartments is Fully Funded!
Thanks to the support of many islanders, the Northern Heights Apartments across from the library will continue to be year-round and affordable rental housing. OPAL Community Land Trust will purchase and then renovate the property. The current tenants will be able to stay. After learning last December that the Washington State Housing Trust Fund would […]
Eastsound Vision Survey — Request an Invite!
Be a part of the voice that shapes Eastsound over the next 20 years. Request an invite to the Eastsound Vision Survey . Share your views and opinions on Livability. Open Space, Village Character, and Parking/Lighting/Transportation.
OPAL Now Owns Land for April’s Grove!
Affordable Rental Housing Planned In August, OPAL purchased 3.8 acres of land in Eastsound for April’s Grove, The property is located on North Beach Road, directly across the street from Children’s House. Plans include 45 rental townhouses that are affordable for individuals and families whose incomes range from $12,000 to $70,000 per year. The […]
Another “Recycled” House
Latest House Arrives from Lake Union OPAL’s eleventh “recycled house” arrived on island August 17th. Previously, it was located on Lake Union in Seattle, where Peter Erickson and Brigitte Bertschi raised their family. After learning about OPAL’s history of relocating houses, they decided to donate their much-loved home, along with funding to help pay for […]
House Moves to Orcas from Belfair, WA
September 2013 – On September 26, OPAL moved a house from Belfair, WA to Seaview Street. The two-bedroom house is situated on property acquired earlier in the year. This is the first house moved by OPAL from an off-island location.
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