Homes Affordable For The Workforce is a county-wide project that proved Whatcom people know how to invent new revenue to invest in new homes affordable for the people who live and work here. Since 2011, the Whatcom County budget has offered cash from its Economic Development Investment (EDI ) fund to pay public utility fees…
Noriko recently passed away on September 25, 2020, but was a core volunteer for many organizations around the community including Interfaith Coalition and Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County. Noriko has been a leading force on Habitat for Humanity’s construction site. In addition to donating her time (Over 500 hours/year to Habitat alone) Noriko donates…
Kulshan Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity Whatcom County partnered on their biggest project to date – Telegraph Townhomes. The first 8 homes are nearly complete and many more are in the works. This partnership has allowed both organizations to increase their impacted on the affordable housing crisis in Whatcom County. Kulshan Community Land…
Base Camp: When the Covid-19 pandemic came to Whatcom County, the community had to act fast to protect some of our most vulnerable residents. The people staying at the Lighthouse Mission Ministry’s Drop-In Center (many of whom have pre-existing health conditions) were living in close quarters, with no ability to socially distance in the existing…
This photo was taken at Elizabeth Park when my daughter was nine months old and shortly after a vision followed – a tiny home with a patch of green space, big enough for the two of us and our sweet cat, nestled in the Columbia neighborhood. This image lingered in my mind for over a…
I was lucky enough to find a home I could afford about 2 years ago after a long search. Given how the market has risen in those two years I don’t think I would be able to do the same thing today. I would love to find ways to use my property to have more…
I just moved here from Portland, OR, where I lived for 11 years. I landed in the midst of the recession and, as a social worker, saw first hand the growth of Portland leaving behind its most vulnerable citizens as well as its valuable workforce. Bellingham for Everyone has the power to grow and show…
I lucked into buying my house from parents. Most people do not have the same privilege that I have had. I want housing security for my neighbors.
We bought our first home in 2015 through Kulshan Community Land Trust! Without them, our dream of homeownership would not have been possible. Now that we have the security of owning our permanently affordable home, we are able to give back to our community by volunteering, serving on boards, and supporting our neighbors. The photo…
I am a caregiver for my daughter with special needs. She and many of her friends need safe, permanently affordable, sustainable, healthy housing. I will need affordable housing after I can no longer be a caregiver. My hope is to create community homes where all people are welcome to live by sharing resources and companionship.…
