Civic, businesses and individuals step up to help with Chelan's housing

CHELAN – The Chelan Valley Housing Trust recently received much needed donations from local government, businesses and private donors to bolster their efforts in building attainable homes for local wage earners, families and seniors in the Chelan Valley.

Both Chelan County and the City of Chelan donated $20,000 each, while the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce donated $10,000. 

“We are proud to have pledged support for this tremendous and very important work” says Mike Steele, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. 

“Without the support of our local government agencies, we would have a much harder time providing opportunities to keep our local workforce intact. I believe the ongoing support also shows how important solving this problem is to those elected officials” says Scott Meyers, Executive Director of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust.

This season of giving was kicked off by Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch whose first-time-ever “Boots Up for Charity Gala” raised over $200,000 in gross revenue for CVHT and Lake Chelan Rotary. Fielding Hills once again sponsored the housing trust in a Give Back Saturday fundraising event in December with proceeds to benefit attainable housing. Vin du Lac Winery, now in their second year’s release of their Abode wine label created to support the housing trust, continues to raise funds every Friday from 3-5 p.m. as folks raise their glass at the Abode Happy Hour.

For additional festive fundraising Tipsy Canyon Winery invites the public to stroll through their Tipsy Tree Town display in their tasting room and cast an unlimited number of $1 votes for their favorite tree.

Elaine Cooper, CVHT Administrator, reports the annual fundraising appeal letter sent to CHVT members and local residents is also continuing to bring in donations throughout the month of December. 

“The housing trust is grateful to have a very caring and involved community who recognizes the need for attainable housing and gives generously so locals who work here can live here. Handing over the keys to a new home truly changes the lives of the new homeowner and their family.”

Solving the valley’s housing crisis is a year-round effort. And to kick off that challenge in 2024, Tipsy Canyon is again partnering with Navarre Coulee Vineyards to put on the Neighbors Blend Release Party at The Landing on January 18, with proceeds to benefit the Chelan Valley Housing Trust. 

“They say ‘‘it takes a village,” says Meyers, “and our village is showing a tremendous amount of support for preserving the Chelan Valley and providing opportunities for local wage earners.”

To purchase tickets for the Neighbors Blend Release Party at The Landing, visit www.thelandingchelan.com

To donate to the Housing Trust or to learn more, visit www.chelanvalleyhousing.org