— from OPAL Community Land Trust —
Using donations made to the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, OPAL Community Land Trust is helping islanders who are unable to pay their mortgage or rent. This emergency assistance program is for any islander who has lost income due to COVID-19.
The top priority is keeping islanders in their homes. To date 73 percent of those who have asked for help do not own or rent through OPAL.
Once an application is received, OPAL staff works with each person to find the right solution. Banks or landlords are contacted to see if they can delay receipt of payment. If not, payments are made directly to the landlord or bank. Numerous county, state and federal actions have been announced to help people pay their bills, and OPAL is also
assisting applicants in navigating those programs.
If you need assistance with your rent or mortgage, go to the OPAL website. Click the “Apply Now” button at the top of the home page to be taken to the Emergency Housing Assistance Application. The application is available in both English and Spanish.
Donations to the Emergency Response Fund to help people impacted financially by loss of wages or other COVID-19 related effects can be made through the Community Foundation. Donations to support OPAL’s ongoing operations can be made directly to OPAL at
www.opalclt.org/donate. Incorporated in 1989, OPAL provides housing for 135 rental and ownership households on Orcas Island.
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