Home on Orcas!

— by Mariah Miller —

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Orcas is paradise in so many ways, and our community is strong and vibrant. Deep connections to the land and to each other are abundantly evident. Yet, many here struggle to find affordable housing, make a living wage, and feel truly a part of the community. Creative solutions to these issues are being explored regionally and internationally. Orcas welcomed Mark Lakeman, founder of the City Repair Project in Portland, Oregon Wednesday, May 13th. Lakeman spoke to a group of 30+ at The Funhouse Commons.

Lakeman is a visionary architect and community design specialist who catalyzes change through inspiration and example. His work includes architecture firm, Communitecture, as well as founding grassroots community organizations City Repair, Dignity Village, the Rebuilding Center, Planet Repair Institute, and the Village Building Convergence. Many of these projects have been replicated throughout the country and internationally.

Mark is a highly-sought after speaker, and swung by Orcas on his way from presentations for Victoria, BC’s City Council. Lakeman came to Orcas excited by the inspirational tactics of Victoria’s Mayor Lisa Helps. The city is implementing new measures to, “Create prosperity through economic development, make Victoria more affordable, engage and empower the public, nurture our arts, culture and learning capital.” According to Helps’ website. They are doing this through innovative programs to utilize food forests, permaculture gardens, bicycle accessibility, tiny home villages for the homeless, and painting mandalas on street intersections to slow traffic and engage neighborhoods.

A wide spectrum of Islanders from 20s to 70s gathered to hear Lakeman’s ideas on transforming traditional community models. Gretchen Krampf, of Thrive Orcas Island says, “Mark’s experience and enthusiasm brought a collection of islanders, young and old, into a conversation about what is possible for our Orcas community.  We are fortunate to live in natural beauty and with so many creative and resourceful folks here. Mark has sparked us with his great stories and visuals of what’s manifested in Portland, and other cities. Looking forward to what emerges on our island!”

The event officially ended at 9 p.m., but it wasn’t until 11:30 pm, that the last of the group reluctantly left the conversation at the Funhouse. San Juan County Council Representative, Rick Hughes was on hand for the entire evening listening intently to Lakeman, and the comments of island residents. A primary concern for Hughes is addressing the need for affordable, long-term housing for working families, young people, seniors, and those with modest income. Without a stable housing base, those who make our island run cannot afford to live or work here. Hughes expressed that he is increasingly hearing from constituents that when they do find employment here, they cannot secure housing. Living wage jobs and innovative economic initiatives are a dominant concern.

While many of Lakeman’s examples focused on challenges in urban environments, a pervasive sense of aloneness is something we all feel at times. “Orcas is uniquely prone to this, I’ve noticed,” said event organizer Mariah Miller. “While people often come here, for the quiet and natural beauty – to experience ‘life in the slow lane’ – after a while it can become habit rather than choice. I notice that it takes concerted effort to reach out to my neighbors and friends, or drive to town for an event. Work schedules, our tourist-driven economy, family needs, health, ferry schedules, and a predominantly retirement age population compound the challenges with staying involved.”

Orcas is blessed with so many rich resources and deep community spirit. Events and opportunitites abound. Organizations like Orcas Angels, The Funhouse, Helping Hands, Oddfellows, the Senior Center, Food Bank, DVSAS, Isleshare Time Bank, Healing Arts Center, the Community Foundation, our churches, arts organizations, schools, environmental groups, etc. ensure that if we need help it is there. And yet, people still fall through the cracks, or become so isolated they are not sure how to reach out…or so busy that they don’t have time.

Simple things can make a difference in helping people feel connected. Lakeman shared some inspired grassroots community projects which bring people together through a sense of fun, purpose and creativity. Examples included neighborhood-designed painted mandalas on street intersections designed to slow traffic, murals, poetry stations, potlucks, cob benches and kiosks, free stations for books and small items; all at low-no cost. Simply smiling or waving hello to people you pass in car or on foot, can create a greater sense of connection.

Some of Lakeman’s most inspiring work has been in the realm of homes for the homeless. Portland was the first city to build tiny homes with homeless folks at Dignity Village, starting in 2000. Many of these concepts are being replicated around the country, including in Victoria, where there are plans to build several new tiny home villages for those without housing.

Homelessness is not an obvious problem here on Orcas, but it exists. Not only are there people living in the woods, or in tents on private properties, storage sheds, boats, there is an ever-increasing aging population for which housing is scarce. Opal and Homes for Islanders address a segment of the need, and do it well, but more is needed. Affordable rentals, co-housing, cooperative homes, tiny homes, and shared land usage are some options Lakeman discussed. Here on Orcas, Issa Wild of Cascadia Homesteads is building tiny homes and exploring new models of living in community, along with many others.

An open, informal gathering was held at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 16,12:30-2pm at a picnic table. Thrive Orcas Island hosted this space to follow up on the conversation started last Wednesday. Orcas has the talent, skills, and resources to ensure the well-being of every one of our residents. Let’s work together to come up with innovative solutions that support our island community. Every voice is valuable and every one of us has a role to play in creating a viable, rich and fulfilling life, and model of community living.

Thanks to Ben Browner and Gretchen Krampf of Thrive Orcas Island, and Krista Bouchey of The Funhouse Commons for supporting this gathering.

More information on Mark Lakeman and projects is available at: www.marklakeman.net, www.communitecture.net, www.cityrepair.org, insidedignityvillage.weebly.com

City of Victoria, BC initiatives: www.lisahelpsvictoria.ca/