When Sharing becomes Community Care: Expanding Affordable Housing in Jefferson County

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Illustration by Nhatt Nichols  [/caption]

This is a Beacon-exclusive monthly column by different housing experts in Jefferson County.

This month’s column is by Bill Wise, from the Housing Solutions Network.

The affordable housing crisis in Jefferson County is unrelenting, affecting our economic sectors from tourism to essential services. Over the past five years home prices have surged by 50% making it increasingly difficult for young families and workers to secure suitable living spaces. The limited availability of properties leads to fierce competition, where those with substantial financial means outbid local workers and families. Despite ongoing efforts by many organizations, the community is struggling to build its way out of this crisis.

A Viable Solution: Renting Vacant Homes and ADUs

One promising approach to mitigate our shortage involves homeowners with vacant properties or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offering their empty spaces as long-term rentals. A 2020 survey from the American Community Survey indicates approximately 14% of homes in Jefferson County are classified as vacant, meaning they are unoccupied the majority of the year—significantly higher than the national average of 9.7%.

Benefits of Renting Vacant Homes and ADUs

Renting out unoccupied homes and ADUs can provide essential benefits for both homeowners and renters :

• Homeowners can contribute by offering affordable housing to local workers, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life and economic stability in Jefferson County.
• Homeowners can generate additional income from their properties, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties.
• Increasing the availability of affordable housing options fosters a more vibrant community, attracting essential workers like teachers and healthcare professionals who are vital to our local community.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Many homeowners hesitate to rent due to misconceptions about the complexity of the process.  The Housing Solutions Network (HSN) can simplify the rental process providing guidance on landlord-tenant relations, connecting home seekers with property providers, and other essential topics of long-term rental. For those who aren't interested in managing the day-to-day operations of a long-term rental, property management services are offered here locally through entities like Townsend Bay and Windermere; although affordability is not typically their mission

Concerns about potential property damage or disturbances from tenants can be alleviated through proper tenant screening, clear communication of expectations, and the use of security deposits. Many homeowners who have rented out their properties report positive experiences and a sense of fulfillment in contributing to the community's wellbeing.

Encouraging Community Engagement

If you have a vacant home, short-term rental, or empty ADU, you can help Jefferson County alleviate this crisis. Providing secure housing for those who deliver vital services is crucial for building a thriving community. Every space makes a difference.

Please take the time to consider renting: if enough folks kicked in, we could put a real dent in this housing crisis.

Solving the affordable housing crisis is a complex undertaking and one that is essential for the long-term vitality of Port Townsend and Jefferson County.  This problem can’t be solved by government policy alone; it’s going to take members of our community finding small, helpful solutions to be able to help. Jefferson County can fix the housing crisis. And, of course, a huge thanks to those already offering affordable living spaces to our local families and workforce.

Want to learn more about how you can be a part of the solution? Check out housingsolutionsnetwork.org for more information.

Bill Wise

Steering Committee Chair

Housing Solutions Network