Oct 03 2006
LOHO Receives $1 Million Loan

Lopez Housing Options just received a big financial boost for its senior housing project.

USDA Rural Development committed to a 40-year, 4.5 percent interest loan of $1 million for The Hamlet on Lopez Island, a living and care facility for senior citizens. "This makes our project a reality. We are off and running," said Rip Van Camp, Lopez Housing Options (LOHO) board chair.

"This loan enables us to have reasonable rates, and makes the home financially viable," he continued. The Hamlet is intended to serve Lopez residents, and was started to help with the huge need for senior care on the island.

LOHO, which is a non-profit, has been working on this loan for over two years. According to the board, our state government is very excited about this development, which is the first of its kind in the U.S. "The state sees this as a prototype for innovative rural senior housing," said LOHO vice chair Gary Tabasinske.

The facility is a combination of an adult family home with 24-hour supervised care, 14 cottages (for both independent and semi-independent living), and a common building, where Hamlet seniors can socialize. Occupancy is set at approximately 30 people. The total cost of the project is in the $4 million range, and construction is slated to begin in early 2007. LOHO hopes for occupancy in the buildings by the end of 2007 and early 2008.

The USDA funds are for the adult family home portion of the housing development. Money for the cottages will come from a combination of regional banks and funding from a major foundation. The board is also considering refundable entry fees. The common building is being partly funded by a bequest from Helen "Louie" Lewis, as well as a challenge grant from the families of Lewis and her partner Dort Horn, both of whom are deceased.

LOHO welcomes anyone who is interested in providing additional challenge or matching grants. "We still need some local help for the gap of about $180,000 to complete the adult family home," said Van Camp.

LOHO held a community meeting on September 7 to educate the public about costs and design plans. Over 200 people attended. "This took a village. We went out in the community, found out what people wanted, and built the project around that," said board member Raiti Waerness.

You can pick up brochures at the Lopez Library, Senior Center, and LOHO office in back of the Fishbay Building across from the Post Office. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Jamie and Lauren Stephens, who own the building, were kind enough to donate this office space," said board member Patsy Sangster.

LOHO hopes to be able to take applications by the end of the year. Financial guidance for prospective residents is also available. For more information, call the office at (360) 468-2620. The web site, www.loho.org, will be completed soon.

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