By Bill Massey

We are fortunate to live in a community of compassionate individuals who are always ready to step up when a need for help is clearly identified. With the holidays around the corner, there is much to be grateful for. But there are also many neighbors here in our Island communities struggling to pay the mortgage, age gracefully in their homes or find a place to call home that is priced within their means.

More affordable housing is needed on Whidbey Island and the more people we have working together to solve this problem, the better for all. The issues revolving around housing are complex and require many different strategies. Whidbey Island Share a Home (WISH) is one solution to the housing dilemma on Whidbey Island. WISH supports both long and short-term housing needs.

The concept of home sharing is simple and cost-effective. By using existing housing, home-owers with a spare bedroom or a separate space can open their home to someone needing a place to live. While some home seekers pay rent, others pay reduced rent and work exchange, such as housework, light personal care and yard work to lower the rent and help out the home provider with needed chores.

As WISH kicks off their annual fundraiser, “Share Your Change, Share a Home,” please join me in supporting WISH’s mission to offer affordable housing alternatives on Whidbey Island. The fundraiser runs for three weeks, from Friday, Nov. 16, to Saturday, Dec 8.

Drop off some spare change and help someone share a home.

Bill Massey is a member of the Island County Planning Commission, serves as a founding board member of the newly formed Community Land Trust-Saratoga Community Housing, served as a founding member for the Island Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and owner Island Construction. For more information on the WISH program, call 800-864-7549 or 331-5910.