A Queer Perspective on the Housing Crisis

To my queer readers 2SLGBTQIA of all kinds (though how you expect me to remember all those initials at my age, I’m sure I do not know) – Happy Pride Month! And a very Happy Pride Sunday to you all in Port Angeles.

As a queer individual who has weathered both the triumphs and challenges of our community, I can’t help but see the housing crisis we face today through a somewhat different lens. In some ways, it feels like we’re going back to the way things were when I was a very young, scared queer of 17. I worry a lot about the way things are going in this country – the way our hard-won rights and protections seem to be slipping away, piece by piece.

My hubbie and I are legally married, and he doesn’t feel that our relationship status can be touched, that our union will always be legally protected. But then, so was abortion – until women’s control over their own bodies started going away, making it more difficult for women and trans men alike to get the abortions they need or want. So here I am, carrying a digital copy of our marriage certificate at all times, just in case.

But enough about my personal concerns. Let’s talk about the real heart of the matter: the housing crisis that’s gripping not just the LGBTQIA+ community, but our entire region of Clallam County. How can we, as a community, work together to turn the tide and make the dream of homeownership a reality for all?

The Affordable Housing Crunch in Clallam County

The statistics are stark. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the median home price in Clallam County has skyrocketed by an astonishing 40% over the past decade. This has put the goal of homeownership out of reach for many families, forcing them to either settle for substandard housing or be priced out of the market entirely.

The situation is particularly dire for first-time homebuyers, young families, and those on fixed incomes. As the Peninsula Daily News reported, “In some ways we are going back to the way things were when I was a very young scared queer of 17.” The stark truth is that many in our community are struggling to survive, let alone thrive, in the face of this housing affordability crisis.

But here’s the thing: we’re not powerless in the face of these challenges. In fact, the affordable housing solutions organization HACC-Housing is working tirelessly to turn the tide and make the dream of homeownership a reality for families across Clallam County.

Innovative Strategies for Accessible Homeownership

HACC-Housing has been at the forefront of the fight for affordable housing in our region, implementing a range of innovative strategies to help families overcome the barriers to homeownership. One of their key initiatives is the “Pathway to Ownership” program, which provides comprehensive support and resources to first-time homebuyers.

Through this program, aspiring homeowners can access financial counseling, down payment assistance, and educational workshops to help them navigate the complex process of purchasing a home. The organization also works closely with local lenders and real estate agents to identify properties that are both affordable and well-suited to the needs of low- and moderate-income families.

But HACC-Housing’s efforts don’t stop there. They’ve also been actively involved in advocating for policy changes at the local and state level to address the root causes of the affordable housing crisis. This includes pushing for zoning reforms, investment in affordable housing development, and the expansion of rental assistance programs.

One particularly innovative strategy HACC-Housing has implemented is the creation of a community land trust. This model allows the organization to purchase and hold land in perpetuity, leasing it to homeowners at an affordable rate and ensuring that the homes remain accessible to future generations.

The results of these efforts have been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past five years, HACC-Housing has helped more than 200 families in Clallam County achieve the dream of homeownership, with many more in the pipeline. And the impact of this work extends far beyond just the families themselves, as these new homeowners become anchors in their communities, contributing to the local economy and helping to build a more vibrant and inclusive future for all.

The Power of Collaboration

But HACC-Housing’s success hasn’t been a solo effort. Instead, it’s been the result of a powerful collaboration between the organization, local government, and a wide range of community partners.

For example, the city of Port Angeles has been a key ally in the fight for affordable housing, providing financial support and zoning incentives to encourage the development of new affordable units. And organizations like the Clallam County Community Development Corporation have partnered with HACC-Housing to offer financial literacy training and homebuyer education programs to prospective homeowners.

Even local faith communities have gotten involved, with some churches and synagogues opening their doors to host housing workshops and support groups for those struggling with the housing crisis.

The level of cooperation and coordination in Clallam County is truly inspiring, and it’s a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. By working together, we’ve been able to tackle this challenge head-on, and the results speak for themselves.

A Brighter Future on the Horizon

As I look out at the colorful Pride flags fluttering in the breeze here in Port Angeles, I can’t help but feel a sense of cautious optimism about the future. Yes, the road ahead may be long and winding, and there will undoubtedly be setbacks and challenges along the way. But the progress we’ve made, both as a community and as a nation, gives me hope that we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

And when I look at the families who have been able to achieve the dream of homeownership thanks to the tireless efforts of HACC-Housing and its partners, I’m reminded that the path to accessible housing is not only possible, but already underway.

So to my fellow Clallam County residents, let’s continue to support and champion this vital work. Let’s raise our voices in advocacy, roll up our sleeves in service, and come together as a community to ensure that the dream of homeownership becomes a reality for all. Because when we stand united, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.