Thursday, March 28, 2024

Chelan Affordable Housing Committee to form a non-profit Community Land Trust

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CHELAN – The Chelan Affordable Housing Committee (CAHC) shifted community discussions concerning the shortage of low and moderately priced housing in the valley into high gear last Tuesday evening, May 29, with a meeting of diverse housing stakeholders at The Vogue.
Contractors, realtors, employers, financial specialists and social service representatives gathered to discuss their areas of expertise in small group exchanges to forge a way forward and address the valley’s housing imbalances.  
Last April, the City of Chelan retained the services of Housing and Community Development Consultant Julie Brunner from Orcas Island. Brunner, who serves as Housing Manager for Of People and Land (OPAL) Community Land Trust on Orcas Island, is a nationally acknowledged expert in the field of affordable housing strategies. She spent several days in Chelan participating in more than a dozen meetings as she gathered data and comments for a final Housing Needs Assessment that she will prepare for the Chelan Valley. Brunner concluded her Chelan visit with a presentation at an April 25 community forum hosted by the city and the Chelan Affordable Housing Committee.
The goal of Tuesday’s meeting involves the formation of a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation to be called the Community Land Trust (CLT) as a model to meet the valley’s housing needs. Advantages of the CLT include:
• Locally based membership representing and supporting local interests;
• Channeling local donations to meet the affordable housing mission;
• Using a successful model that has been tested and proven elsewhere;
• Flexibility to meet the local needs of homebuyers and renters;
• Partnering with Chelan Valley Hope, Habitat for Humanity and like-minded organizations.
The mission of the non-profit entity will be the “the development and stewardship of a stable supply of permanently affordable housing which preserves the dynamic small-town character and diversity of the Chelan Valley,” CAHC media release said.
In the meantime, Chelan Valley Hope is accepting tax-exempt financial donations earmarked for affordable housing until the new non-profit achieves eligibility. Interest parties can contact info@chelanvalleyhousing.org for more information or to learn how to become involved.

Chelan, affordable housing

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