As I settle into my chair, the weight of Clallam County’s affordable housing crisis feels palpable. It’s a challenge that’s been simmering for years, but the pandemic has truly laid bare the disparities faced by our most vulnerable residents. Yet, amidst the daunting obstacles, a glimmer of hope shines through – organizations like the Affordable Housing Accessibility Coalition (HACC) are working tirelessly to empower and uplift those struggling to find a safe, stable place to call home.
Uncovering the Scope of the Crisis
The statistics paint a sobering picture. According to the Clallam County Homelessness Task Force, an estimated 700 individuals experienced homelessness in our region in 2022 alone. And the need for affordable housing units is staggering – the task force estimates a shortfall of over 2,000 units to meet the current demand. It’s a crisis that disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable populations, including low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Imagine, for a moment, the daily struggle of a single mother in Port Angeles, juggling two part-time jobs to make ends meet. She’s constantly anxious about the prospect of losing her rented apartment, knowing that affordable options are scarce. Or picture the elderly couple in Forks, whose fixed income simply can’t keep up with the rising cost of housing. The stress of potentially losing their home – the place they’ve called home for decades – is a constant, gnawing worry.
These are the faces behind the numbers, the human stories that propel organizations like HACC to action. As the executive director, Julie, puts it, “We can’t just look at this as a numbers game. These are our neighbors, our friends, our community members – and they deserve access to safe, affordable housing that empowers them to thrive.”
Driving Innovative Solutions
HACC’s approach to the affordable housing crisis is multifaceted, drawing on a wealth of knowledge and partnerships to tackle the issue from every angle. One of their key initiatives is the Clallam County Affordable Housing Fund, a collaborative effort that has already awarded over $1.8 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal communities.
These funds have been used to support a wide range of projects, from the construction of new affordable housing units to the rehabilitation of existing properties. The Lummi Nation’s Eagle Haven Tiny Home Village, for example, received a $25,000 grant to incorporate green elements like a water capture and recycling system into their 24 one-bedroom units of permanent supportive housing.
But HACC’s vision extends far beyond bricks and mortar. They recognize that accessibility and inclusivity are essential components of truly affordable housing. That’s why they’ve partnered with organizations like the Olympic Housing Trust to support the Dundee Hill project, which will provide five permanently affordable townhomes for first-time buyers earning between 50-80% of the area median income.
“It’s not enough to just build new units,” explains Julie. “We have to ensure that the housing we create is accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of income level, disability status, or family structure. That’s the only way we can truly empower the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Fostering Partnerships and Community Engagement
HACC’s success in tackling the affordable housing crisis in Clallam County is a testament to their ability to forge strong partnerships and engage the community. They’ve worked closely with local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations to align their efforts and leverage resources.
One shining example is their collaboration with the Council of the Olympic Peninsula of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Through a $35,000 grant, the organization has been able to provide emergency financial assistance to impoverished and vulnerable individuals, seniors, and families in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties, helping them avert utility shutoffs, address critical transportation needs, and minimize the risk of homelessness.
But HACC’s commitment to community engagement goes beyond just financial support. They’ve actively sought out the voices and experiences of those directly impacted by the affordable housing crisis, ensuring that their solutions are informed by the real-world needs of the people they serve.
“We’ve learned that true change can only happen when we listen to the community and work alongside them,” says Julie. “Our partnerships with organizations like Serenity House of Clallam County and the West End Housing Resource Center have been invaluable in understanding the unique challenges faced by our rural and remote communities.”
Empowering through Holistic Support
As I delve deeper into HACC’s work, I’m struck by the organization’s holistic approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis. They recognize that simply providing a roof over someone’s head is not enough – true empowerment requires a comprehensive suite of support services.
Take, for example, their collaboration with Peninsula Behavioral Health. Through a $25,000 grant, the organization has been able to support the construction of 36 permanent affordable supportive housing units for chronically homeless individuals and families in Port Angeles. But the support doesn’t end there – residents also have access to essential mental health and social services, helping them transition into stable, independent living.
Similarly, HACC has partnered with organizations like Kitsap Legal Services to provide free legal assistance and representation to low-income tenants at risk of losing their housing. By helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system, HACC is empowering these individuals to maintain the stability and security of their homes.
“It’s not enough to just build the housing – we have to empower people to thrive within it,” explains Julie. “That’s why we’re so committed to these holistic, wrap-around services that address the root causes of housing insecurity and empower our most vulnerable residents to truly build a better life.”
Seeing the Ripple Effects
As I reflect on HACC’s work, I can’t help but feel a sense of cautious optimism. While the challenges remain daunting, the organization’s innovative approach and deep community engagement are already yielding tangible results.
Take the story of the Bremerton family that received a one-month rent support grant from HACC’s partner, LifeSpring. With their immediate housing crisis averted, the parents were able to focus on securing stable employment and building a more secure future for their family. Or the Forks-based Coordinated Entry housing specialist, whose outreach capabilities were expanded thanks to a $30,000 grant for a new vehicle, allowing them to serve more of Clallam County’s low-income and homeless population.
These are the ripple effects that HACC’s work is creating – empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of housing insecurity and build a brighter tomorrow. And as the organization continues to grow and expand its reach, I can’t wait to see the profound impact it will have on the communities of Clallam County.
“This is about more than just bricks and mortar,” says Julie, her eyes alight with determination. “It’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to those who have been marginalized and overlooked for far too long. And that’s a mission that’s worth fighting for, every single day.”
As I leave the HACC office, I can’t help but feel inspired by the organization’s unwavering commitment to making affordable housing accessible and empowering Clallam’s most vulnerable populations. It’s a tall order, to be sure, but with organizations like HACC leading the charge, I’m confident that a brighter, more equitable future is on the horizon.