Letter to Editor | In support of San Juan County levy lift

On behalf of the Orcas Community Resource Center, we are writing to share our perspective on the proposed Levy Lid Lift.

As a social service agency on Orcas Island, we work every day with individuals and families who are doing everything they can to stay afloat—yet are often one unexpected event away from losing their footing. We are deeply concerned about the potential loss of county-funded programs that many of our neighbors rely on to get through difficult times.

Programs like public health services, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) help ensure that families can meet basic needs. WIC helps pregnant women and young children get the food they need to grow and stay healthy. ECEAP helps families access preschool, supports parents, and strengthens childcare options in our community. Senior services, like Meals on Wheels, make sure older adults have food to eat and someone checking in on them.

If these programs are reduced, the impacts will be immediate and real. People will skip meals. Families will fall behind on bills. Children may miss out on early learning opportunities. Older adults may go without regular meals or support. Health issues that could have been prevented will become emergencies.

At the same time, county funding also supports services that help keep our community safe, including juvenile services, diversion programs, and public defense. Reductions in these areas affect all of us.

The proposed levy would help maintain these essential services and preserve the programs that help keep our community healthy, safe, and stable. Based on what we see every day in our work, we believe this investment is necessary to maintain the support systems our community relies on.

When these supports are cut, the need doesn’t go away; it grows. Families turn to local nonprofits like the Resource Center for help. We are already seeing more people needing support with rent, groceries, medical costs, and basic necessities. The cutback in federal funds for our public safety net is significant. If county services are reduced, even more people will need help at a time when resources are already stretched.

This is about whether our community has the systems in place to support one another during hard times.

We respectfully encourage community members to learn more about what is at stake. Whatever you decide, we hope the decision is informed by understanding how these services support the health, safety, and stability of our island neighbors.