Housing is an important part of life. In the past I was a cost estimator for a large local siding company which installed siding on hundreds of single family new homes and several multi-family buildings every year throughout the Puget Sound. I would create estimates and order material packages on average between 25-50 homes each week. That experience provided me with a view of the various groups working together to get houses built. It isn’t extremely complicated, yet at the same time it isn’t simple. The housing industry is massive and it can take a while for changes to be made.
More recently I’ve had the opportunity to participate in work study placements through the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action (CCBLA) at The Evergreen State College. During this time, I’ve gained an education on the housing situation in Thurston County from a few different perspectives.
I was at Quixote Village during the 2021-2022 school year. It was a memorable experience to watch new residents come in and observe the way their lives changed and improved. From this experience I learned how important it is for the local community to be involved in improving the quality of life in the community. I learned that change doesn’t take place overnight. Change takes time, but it can start with a small group of dedicated people, which can grow in numbers as awareness and interest develops.
My current work study placement at Thurston Housing Land Trust (THLT) is providing me experience with a local non-profit organization dedicated to developing solutions for generating affordable housing for low-to-moderate income households. Thurston Housing Land Trust has been around for many years, however, they didn’t receive their non-profit designation in 2018. THLT is using the community land trust format to provide the framework for affordable housing which will be available from generation to generation. The land trust purchases properties which are sold to members of the community. The land trust maintains ownership of the land while the household takes ownership of the house. The homeowner and trust must abide by a set of rules which governs the operation of the trust and some aspects of the property. This reduces costs and creates a process which should provide affordable housing as long as the trust is operating. Right now, THLT is laying the groundwork to connect their first property with a family. This has been in the works for some time and everyone at THLT is working hard to develop more housing opportunities in the near future.
There are a multitude of opportunities to participate in our community through work study placements and internships. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where or how to start. You could start by looking at different organizations that relate to personal interests and then contact an organization. Or consider learning about something that is new or unexpected by working with the people at CCBLA. In any case, it can be fulfilling to work with community members towards a goal or an ideal. For myself, it has been exciting to be a part of THLT as it begins to move forward to meet the needs of the community. If you want to learn more about what Thurston Housing Land Trust is doing in our community go to Thurstonhousinglandtrust.org or you can contact the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action at The Evergreen State College.
