One of the hardest things I’ve ever done was push the send button on an email announcing the closure of Vashon Community Care (VCC).

The news was shocking. VCC was a community treasure, reliably providing homes to aging islanders for decades.

Over the years, VCC weathered several transitions, but it persisted thanks to the support of donors, volunteers, and tireless, dedicated staff members. However, with decreased demand during the pandemic, budget shortfalls, and, most significantly, severe staffing shortages, we were forced to shut our doors at the end of 2021.

Finding workers for long-term care and other low-wage jobs continues to vex island employers. It’s a national problem, but on Vashon, it’s magnified.

According to a 2023 study by Vashon HouseHold and Vashon High School, the median rent on Vashon is $3,000, and the median home price is $825,000. That means that the cost of housing here is significantly higher than Seattle or Tacoma — approximately $700 dollars more per month for rent, and $25,000 to purchase a home.

There are also fewer homes available because of zoning restrictions, a limited water supply, higher material costs, fewer builders and other obstacles.

According to the American Communities Survey done by the Census Bureau, Vashon has 5,800 housing units of all types. Of these, only about 1,100 are rental units (19 percent 0f the total supply). Of the rental units, 60 percent are in single-family homes.

The supply problem is compounded by Vashon being a desirable location for people with off-island incomes. They can afford to pay rents that island workers at island wages cannot. Rental market pricing usually bears some relationship to local wages, but not on Vashon. A large percentage of on-island jobs pay $15-30 per hour and/or are not full-time.

How does this affect our community? For those of us who hope to grow old here and value eclectic restaurants, quality shopping, world-class arts, a steadfast local newspaper, an outstanding array of non-profit services, and mainland conveniences in a beautiful island setting, it does not bode well.

It also reflects diminishing socioeconomic diversity, a trait that has historically been strong here.

Vashon HouseHold (VHH) has creative solutions to turn the tide.

I recently joined the VHH board because I believe their work lays the foundation for the future health of our community. I’m already in awe of the energy and vision I see. With Executive Director Jason Johnson at the helm and a creative, talented and well-organized board, VHH is poised to do great things. But they need our help.

Last year VHH conducted a survey of employees on Vashon to see what their housing needs were. Of 110 people who completed the survey, 30 percent stated they were living in a place or location that was not suitable for them or their family, 50 percent stated they were paying more than 50 percent of their income on housing, and 45 percent stated that if VHH and/or their employer developed workforce housing, they would be interested in living in it.

Clearly, there’s work to be done. Serving the island since 1991, VHH currently provides homes to more than 200 islanders in seven affordable-housing communities. Next year, 40 new single-room-occupancy apartments at Island Center Homes, at 188th Street and Vashon Highway, will open to seniors, veterans, and people with housing insecurity, developmental disabilities, and behavioral health issues.

Looking ahead, VHH is eyeing land for future development and looking for landowners and employers to partner on housing solutions.

How can you help? First, join us at “Raise the Roof” on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Dig Deep Gardens for live music, dancing, food, drinks, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, games, prizes, and community — all to raise much-needed funding to combat housing insecurity on our island. Martha Enson will emcee and there will be live music by Los Riffers. This is a 21+ event.

Other ways to help: Donate online at vashonhousehold.org, volunteer for a work party, host a dinner party to help VHH raise awareness, sell or bequeath your home to a community land trust, share your home as part of VHH’s HomeShare program, and advocate for affordable housing with elected officials.

It’s on us all to preserve the quality of life we’ve come to value here. Let’s not take it for granted!

— Anne Atwell is the former director of development for VCC and a current Vashon HouseHold board member.