Home Trust orientation includes how home ownership builds island wealth

January 24, 2017 11:37 am
Contributed photo/San Juan Community Home Trust Steve Ulvi, Bob Kleven, Attilio Galli, Dina Melic, Bridget Nyberg, Peter Goddu, Gay Graham, Sarah Crosby, Steve Bowman. Not pictured are Chinmayo, Chary Caren, Maia Yip and Executive Director Nancy DeVaux
Contributed photo/San Juan Community Home Trust Steve Ulvi, Bob Kleven, Attilio Galli, Dina Melic, Bridget Nyberg, Peter Goddu, Gay Graham, Sarah Crosby, Steve Bowman. Not pictured are Chinmayo, Chary Caren, Maia Yip and Executive Director Nancy DeVaux

Submitted by the San Juan Community Home Trust

The San Juan Community Home Trust held its new board member orientation on Saturday, Jan. 14. The purpose of the meeting was both to inform new members of our mission, history and responsibilities, and to explain the nuts and bolts of Home Trust operations. Attendees left with renewed energy to serve affordable housing needs on the island, given that the San Juan County Council and other non-profits have made the issue a top priority for 2017.

Executive Director Nancy DeVaux began by giving a history of the organization and some of the unique aspects of each of the three neighborhoods developed by the Home Trust, including the state-of-the-art LOSS (Large Onsite Sewer System) in Sun Rise. Dina Melic and Chinmayo spoke of the ambassador program to which they have been appointed, and which lobbies national legislators on affordable housing issues. Peter Goddu spoke about the legal responsibilities of board members; Attilio Galli spoke about fiduciary matters; Gay Graham spoke about fundraising, the ongoing job of members of nonprofit boards.

In talking about our neighborhoods and how they benefit San Juan Island, notable points made:

  • Home ownership of a permanently affordable home allows wealth building on the part of islanders. Some have been able to start businesses, not having had to use as high a percentage of their income on housing. Others have sold and moved into market rate homes, having had the stability and time to build equity while owning a permanently affordable home.
  • Home Trust homeowners pay property taxes on the assessed fair-market value of their homes, contributing to the tax base of the island.