Hello Vashon! My name is Jason Johnson, and I have had the great honor of serving as the Executive Director of Vashon HouseHold (VHH) since April of last year. Since that time, VHH has made measurable strides in our work, and the momentum is growing.

When I arrived, the Vashon community was very clear with me: we are facing a housing crisis, and we are ready for VHH to step up and do more. Over the past 12 months, we have risen to that call, and with your support we have:

• Launched a Home Share Program that matches people who have extra space in their homes with people who need affordable housing. By the end of 2023 we expect to have matched 12 islanders, increasing the number of affordable rental arrangements on the island from 88 to 100.
• Launched a major rehabilitation at our Charter House property, thanks to the state’s Affordable Housing Preservation Program Grant. That building now has a new roof, insulation, crawlspace, and a fresh coat of paint. In the coming months Charter House will have new stairs and walkways and upgraded fire prevention. These efforts help maintain quality housing that is also affordable.
• Purchased the Island Apartments, preserving 12 units of affordable housing, thanks to a generous, mission-aligned seller and donations from four Vashon families. This property will remain affordable in perpetuity for people earning less than 80% of the Annual Median Income (currently $70,650/yr.).
• Broke ground on Island Center Homes, a 40-unit project on 188th and Vashon Highway that will provide housing for veterans, people who have experienced homelessness, people engaged in the behavioral health system, people with developmental disabilities and/or are seniors. Doors are scheduled to open by the end of 2024.
• Hosted our first community housing forum at the Vashon Center for the Arts, connecting Vashon residents with diverse viewpoints with regional media, housing experts, and statewide elected leaders to envision together how the island can work to address our affordability crisis.

I am so proud of these accomplishments – they stand as proof that VHH and partners like you from all over the island can get results as we tackle the housing crisis we face.

In 2024 we want to do even more – more home share matches, more property acquisitions, more permanently affordable housing for our workforce. But to do more, VHH needs your support. There are many ways to be involved.

Donate: If you value these accomplishments and want to see more like them in 2024, help us close out the year strong by making a tax-deductible donation to VHH this holiday season. It’s easy: just visit our website to make your gift today.

Sell your home to a CLT: Selling or bequeathing your home to a Community Land Trust like VHH at below market value ensures it will stay affordable housing forever. It’s a legacy that gives back to the island for generations.

Share your home: If you’re interested in participating in our home sharing program, either as a provider or home seeker, let us know! Because it’s modeled after successful programs in Tacoma and Olympia, we’re optimistic this program will be a boon to immediate housing needs.

Host a party for VHH: Invite your friends and neighbors. We’ll show up and lead a discussion about how people can support affordable housing in this community.

Volunteer: Help us care for our properties with gardening, cleaning and home repair. Support residents with legal aid, support services and wellness services. Contact us to get on our volunteer list.

Stay in touch: Sign up for our newsletter (or encourage friends and neighbors to sign up) to keep up on news from VHH. Follow/friend us on Facebook and Instagram, join in the dialog and share the news!

Bust the myths: VHH prioritizes island residents for housing. VHH is shifting to serve folks who need workforce housing. Affordable housing is not “slum” housing. Affordable housing does not drive down property values. It drives up the cohesion and long-term viability of the community.

Be vocal: Say “yes in my backyard” when affordable housing is being considered. Advocate for more housing and services with elected officials at the county, state, and federal level. Contact us if you want to put a yard sign up on your property to show your support for locally-grown affordable housing.

Together, we can build an island that celebrates a diversity of housing and is truly equitable, accessible, affordable, and livable for everyone. Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Jason Johnson is the executive director of Vashon HouseHold.