OPAL recognizes Helen L. Bee, champion of affordable housing

||| FROM OPAL COMMUNITY LAND TRUST |||

OPAL Community Land Trust leadership and supporters gathered at the Bee Lane street sign in April’s Grove to recognize Helen L. Bee for her long-term efforts in support of affordable housing on Orcas Island. A plaque was set into a glacial greenstone to honor her contributions to April’s Grove rental neighborhood, in particular, and to OPAL and affordable housing steadily since 2002.

“Helen Bee is a champion of affordable housing on Orcas Island,” said Lisa Byers, Executive Director since 1996. “She took on OPAL’s mission with purpose and made a significant difference for the wellbeing of our community. She truly believes in the power of a stable home to give islanders a chance to live their best possible lives – and contribute back to the community.”

Helen served on the OPAL Board of Directors from 2006-2015 and was a strong leader for the organization’s fundraising efforts. Those who attended OPAL’s gala events of yesteryear will remember Helen’s capacity for fun, for breaking into song – to make a point – and her dedicated approach to connecting OPAL supporters with the community benefits that affordable housing provides to ALL islanders.

OPAL Community Land Trust is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 and dedicated to providing permanently affordable housing opportunities on Orcas Island. Through stewardship, community partnerships, and innovative housing solutions, OPAL works to ensure long-term housing stability for island residents. www.opalclt.org.