Supporting the Critical Need for
Affordable Housing in Island County
An Issue that Impacts Our Entire Community
The national housing crisis is hitting communities like ours especially hard. Building affordable housing for rural island areas is increasingly difficult to design, build, and fund.
Without affordable housing, local workers leave, businesses cut hours or close altogether, and young families move away. Schools struggle to hire teachers, and classrooms shrink. The ripple effect impacts us all.
Island Roots Housing is starting with our first project, “Generations Place”—a critical step towards keeping our island vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
Introducing Generations Place in Langley
This inaugural project from Island Roots Housing, Generations Place, will offer 14 two- and three-bedroom affordable apartments at 2nd & DeBruyn in downtown Langley.
This development will create opportunities for working families who contribute their skills to the vibrant South Whidbey economy.
Key Statistics
74%
The percentage of people under 34 who found rent unaffordable in Langley in 2022.
2.5
The number of full-time jobs at minimum wage it would take to afford a 2-bedroom rental in Washington State.
20
The number of years needed to meet the demand for approximately 5,572 rental units in Island County.
Source: Island County Dept of Human Services-HB1590 Report
Affordable Housing is the Key to a Thriving Community
Everyone deserves access to safe, dignified housing, and when they have it, the entire community thrives. Affordable housing stimulates local economies, supports businesses, and sustains our population.
When people have a place to call home, young families can stay and grow, small businesses remain open, and essential services like grocery stores, medical facilities, and schools continue to serve us all.
To achieve economic resiliency, Island County requires "housing resiliency." We are collaborating with community members, agencies, and nonprofits to build connections and create housing units, allowing people to retain or change their housing as their circumstances evolve, rather than risk losing it.
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What Your Neighbors Are Saying