Where: Port Orchard, Kitsap County, Washington

Problem: Home ownership levels in Port Orchard are well below Washington’s state average.

Solution: RCAC loaned $600,000 to Housing Kitsap to fund development of 27 single-family homes in Port Orchard under USDA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program.

The small town of Port Orchard struggles to keep up with Washington’s housing market. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 15 percent of Port Orchard residents live below the federal poverty level, compared to the state level of 12 percent. Home ownership levels in Port Orchard are well below state levels, suggesting a need for additional affordable housing. The median sales price of a single-family home in 2017 was $295,000, a 7 percent year-over-year increase.

Housing Kitsap provides affordable housing assistance to households with incomes below 80 percent of the area median income by providing self-help housing opportunities as well as subsidized multiple family housing. As of 2018, Housing Kitsap was building 33 homes a year and managing over 900 dwelling units of public and affordable housing in 18 communities throughout the county.

RCAC issued a $600,000 loan to develop 27 single-family lots for Housing Kitsap’s Sherman Ridge project. Participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Mutual Self-Help Housing program will purchase the lots at a significantly lower price than homes currently on the market.

The funding will go toward developing the infrastructure such as grading, curb, gutter, sidewalks, roads, water and sewer, gas, electricity, telephone and cable lines. The homes also meet RCAC “Green Lending Criteria.” They will incorporate features such as recycled waste material, energy efficient appliances, water based and solvent free adhesives, low biocide and natural finishes. Improvements to contain and preserve the wetland area on one side of the property are also scheduled.