Chelan Workforce Housing Receives First Land Donation from the Lookout

CHELAN - Affordable Housing in Chelan has just taken another huge step forward. The Lookout at Lake Chelan, a local vacation and waterfront home community, announced the donation of a two-acre parcel to the Chelan Valley Housing Trust. An expected 15-20 homes can be built with this land on which the nonprofit expects to break ground next summer. These homes will be some of the first few examples of homeownership for the middle and lower incomes that Chelan has seen for some time and is considered an absolute “win” by housing advocates.
 
“It’s another solid sign of progress” says Mayor Mike Cooney, strong supporter of affordable homes and the Chelan Valley Housing Trust. The land donation adds to the group’s private cash donations of over $100,000, including a $50,000 donation from the Goodfellow Brothers Inc. and Tamar Goodfellow and $25,0000 from Campbell’s Resort, according to Cooney. Pledges for another $50,000 have also been received.
Chelan Valley Housing Trust is a nonprofit provider of affordable homes that has been brewing since a packed Town Hall on Affordable Housing in January. Although this organization has been gaining ground within the community, this donation is the first promise of a successful project, and that means a lot to CVHT board and advocates. “There has to be the first win, we need to prove we can do this.” says Rachael Goldie, CVHT Administrator.
Lookout representative Ted Schroth is assisting in design and planning. “The Lookout Team is committed to assist in achieving this solution to workforce housing.  We are passionate about the Chelan valley and consider it a privilege to be able to assist in the effort to provide housing for those who live and work here full time,” said Schroth.
Since that first town hall, the City of Chelan and local advocates have been waiting for a defined win, and now they have it. 15-20 homes means Chelan can retain 15-20 families and dedicated employees.
Local cafe and hotel owner, Blaze Dawson, commented; “As small business owners we are glad to see more housing being developed for people that live and work here.”
The CVHT’s project on the Lookout’s two donated acres can take advantage of a recent commitment by North Cascades Bank for $2,000,000 of construction loan credit.  The City of Chelan is considering a $100,000 fund to subsidize hook-up fees for homes to be built by the trust and another $20,000 a year for five years to help defray administration costs for the new organization.
 
Chelan Valley Housing Trust is a local nonprofit aimed at providing affordable home ownership opportunities and education to low and moderate income households. Their vision is that people who work hard to support our communities and businesses should be able to live in them.
To learn more about the Chelan Valley Housing Trust and how to get involved, contact Rachael Goldie at rachael@chelanvalleyhousing.org.