The Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) is proud to support a significant step forward for affordable housing in Central Whidbey through a community-driven financing partnership with Island Roots Housing.
Island Roots Housing (IRH) has acquired an 8.33-acre property in Coupeville, creating a significant opportunity to develop much-needed affordable housing for island residents. The project has already received a $1 million grant from Island County, demonstrating strong public investment in addressing the region’s housing challenges.
The project has also recently been highlighted in Whidbey News-Times, reflecting growing community interest and awareness of the need for expanded housing options on Whidbey Island: Nonprofit hopes to build affordable housing in Coupeville | Whidbey News-Times
To help bridge the remaining financing needed to complete the acquisition, WCF assembled a $350,000 community impact investment, drawing on a combination of WCF funds and participation from donors who hold donor-advised funds (DAFs) at WCF. This approach allows local philanthropic capital to be deployed in a flexible, timely way to help secure the property while longer-term funding is pursued. This local investment helps unlock and complement significant public funding, demonstrating how community philanthropy can accelerate solutions to complex challenges like affordable housing.
“This is a powerful example of what’s possible when local philanthropy and public investment work together,” said Jessie Gunn, Executive Director of the Whidbey Community Foundation. “By using flexible, community-based capital, we can help unlock larger funding sources and move critical projects forward at the right moment.”
This effort reflects WCF’s growing focus on impact investing— using charitable dollars not only for grants, but also as recoverable capital that can be reinvested over time to support multiple community projects.
“This kind of partnership allows us to act quickly and strategically,” Gunn added. “We are grateful to the donors who are stepping forward to participate, and to Island Roots Housing for their leadership in creating long-term housing solutions on Whidbey.”
In addition to supporting the project financially, WCF and IRH plan to expand community outreach in Coupeville and across Central and North Whidbey, ensuring residents are engaged as the project moves forward.
About the Whidbey Community Foundation
The Whidbey Community Foundation connects people who care to causes that matter, strengthening the quality of life on Whidbey Island. Through grantmaking, nonprofit support, and innovative approaches like impact investing, WCF works to direct resources where they are needed most. To learn more, please visit: www.whidbeyfoundation.org.
About Island Roots Housing
Island Roots Housing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and preserving diverse affordable housing opportunities throughout Island County. Working through partnerships and coalitions, IRH broadens the community’s understanding of the needs and opportunities for this work. To learn more, please visit: www.islandrootshousing.org.