I’ll never forget the day I first drove through the quaint town of Clallam, nestled along the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula. The sun was shining, the air crisp and clean, and the charming main street bustled with locals going about their daily routines. It was the kind of place that made you want to slow down, take a deep breath, and soak in the community spirit.

But as I explored the area further, I couldn’t help but notice the glaring issue of housing affordability. Modest homes were out of reach for many families, forcing them to settle for substandard living conditions or move away entirely. It was heartbreaking to see such a vibrant, close-knit community struggling with this challenge.

That’s when I learned about the incredible work being done by the Affordable Housing Coalition of Clallam (HACC). This passionate team of experts and volunteers has made it their mission to revitalize the region by providing accessible, sustainable homes for those in need. And after diving deep into their initiatives, I can confidently say they are making a profound difference.

Empowering Families, Building Futures

At the heart of HACC’s efforts is a fundamental belief: everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. This philosophy guides their every move, from securing land and financing to collaborating with local partners and supporting new homeowners.

One of their flagship programs is their Homeownership Initiative, which helps low- to moderate-income families achieve the dream of homeownership. Through a combination of financial counseling, hands-on training, and access to flexible financing options, HACC empowers participants to become confident, responsible homeowners.

“When we first started working with HACC, my family was living in a cramped, rundown apartment that was eating up most of our monthly budget,” shares Sarah, a recent Homeownership Initiative graduate. “The program not only taught us crucial budgeting and maintenance skills, but it also connected us with a beautiful, affordable home that has truly transformed our lives. Now, we have the stability and security to focus on building a brighter future for our children.”

Stories like Sarah’s are a testament to the life-changing impact of HACC’s work. By removing the barriers to homeownership, they’re enabling families to build generational wealth, access better educational and healthcare opportunities, and become active, engaged members of the Clallam community.

Collaborative Partnerships, Innovative Solutions

Of course, HACC’s efforts extend far beyond their Homeownership Initiative. They’ve also forged strategic partnerships with local government, nonprofits, and businesses to tackle the affordable housing crisis from multiple angles.

One such collaboration is with the Clallam County Department of Community Development. Together, they’ve launched an initiative to revitalize aging mobile home parks, providing residents with opportunities to become homeowners and securing funding for critical infrastructure upgrades.

“Mobile homes are often the last affordable housing option for low-income families in our region,” explains HACC’s Executive Director, Emily Wilkinson. “By working hand-in-hand with the county, we can not only preserve these vital communities but also empower residents to chart a more stable, prosperous future.”

HACC has also teamed up with the Clallam County Habitat for Humanity chapter to construct energy-efficient, sustainable homes. Leveraging Habitat’s expertise in volunteer-driven construction and HACC’s deep understanding of local housing needs, they’ve created a model that delivers high-quality, affordable homes while minimizing environmental impact.

“This partnership has been a game-changer,” says Colleen Robinson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County. “With HACC’s support, we’ve been able to expand our reach and serve more families in need. Together, we’re not just building houses – we’re building vibrant, resilient neighborhoods that will stand the test of time.”

Embracing Innovation, Shaping the Future

But HACC’s impact extends far beyond the boundaries of Clallam County. They’re actively engaged in statewide and national conversations, sharing their innovative strategies and advocating for policy changes that support affordable housing initiatives.

One particularly notable development is HACC’s involvement in the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP) Launch. This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by the Washington State Department of Commerce, aims to empower rural communities like Clallam to mobilize their industry ecosystems and drive collaborative, innovation-driven economic growth.

As part of the ICAP Launch pilot, HACC is leading the charge in establishing a Natural Resources Innovations Center (NRIC). This industry-led coalition will bring together businesses, researchers, and community stakeholders to transform the legacy forest products industry, maximizing the value of natural resources while minimizing waste.

“The NRIC represents an exciting opportunity to not only address our region’s affordable housing needs but also to forge a more sustainable, resilient economic future,” enthuses Wilkinson. “By harnessing the power of innovation and collaboration, we can create solutions that benefit the entire Clallam community – from affordable housing to job creation and environmental stewardship.”

Investing in a Brighter Tomorrow

HACC’s work has not gone unnoticed. In fact, the organization recently received a transformative $15 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, part of her historic $436 million investment in Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the United States.

“This donation is a testament to the impact we’re making and the potential we have to truly revolutionize affordable housing in Clallam County,” says Wilkinson. “With these resources, we can dramatically expand our capacity, accelerate our initiatives, and unlock even greater possibilities for the families we serve.”

But HACC’s vision extends far beyond bricks and mortar. They’re committed to building a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable homes – and the opportunity to thrive. By empowering families, fostering collaborative partnerships, and embracing innovative solutions, they’re paving the way for a more equitable, prosperous Clallam.

As I reflect on my time in this remarkable community, I’m filled with a sense of hope and excitement. The work of HACC is not just about creating homes – it’s about igniting a movement, transforming lives, and shaping a brighter tomorrow. And with the unwavering dedication of this remarkable organization, I have no doubt that Clallam’s best days are still to come.