Orcas Housing Focus Group | New resource guide for renters and landlords

Finding and keeping stable housing on Orcas can feel overwhelming, especially when resources are scattered and rental laws can be hard to navigate. That’s why this spring, a dedicated group of community members, renters, and advocates came together to change that story.

In an effort to allow more voices in the community to be heard, the Housing Focus Group began meeting weekly at the Orcas Community Resource Center. They pooled lived experiences, legal insights, and practical tips to create a new Housing Resource Guide for our island community. The guide aims to make it easier for renters and landlords alike to understand their rights and responsibilities, access support, and find clear steps for navigating housing challenges.

“Our group brought together people who have seen the realities of renting on Orcas from every angle,” said Cheryl Helm, a Resource Center staff member who helped facilitate the meetings along with staff member Paula Gustafson. “We heard stories of last-minute moves, unclear lease terms, and tenants afraid to speak up about unsafe conditions. We also heard from landlords who want to do the right thing, but don’t always know how.”

The guide includes step-by-step checklists for moving in, understanding leases and deposits, knowing when and how repairs should happen, and accessing mediation or legal resources if conflicts arise. Group members also explored ways to share the guide online and in print, and are considering hosting regular community gatherings to foster connection between landlords, tenants, and local advocates.

This grassroots project shows what’s possible when people come together with a shared goal: making housing on Orcas more understandable, fair, and rooted in dignity for everyone who calls this island home.

The Housing Focus Group is one of several recent community-led efforts organized by the Resource Center. Earlier this year, a health-focused group helped spark meaningful conversations around wellness and culminated in a successful community health & wellness fair. Upcoming focus groups will center the voices of Spanish-speaking community members and another group will explore financial literacy—continuing the goal of creating space for shared experiences, practical knowledge, and collaborative solutions.

For more information or to access the new Housing Resource Guide, visit the Housing & Utility Support section of their website at www.orcascrc.org.