HOOD RIVER — The future of permanently affordable housing in Hood River just received a significant boost, thanks to a new agreement between Faith Bible Church and Big River Community Land Trust (Big River). The church, which owns roughly two and a half acres of undeveloped land, has agreed to sell the property to Big River.
Alysha Sherburne
Big River Community
Land Trust
“We are extremely grateful to Faith Bible Church for choosing to work with us,” said Alysha Sherburne, Big River’s executive director. “This land purchase is monumental in terms of the number of homes it will allow us to build for the community.”
Big River is currently working on its first house on Tucker Road, which is set to break ground soon. This purchase will allow for the development of a larger cluster of moderately sized, moderately priced, permanently affordable homes.
Greg Crafts, one of Big River’s founding board members, is looking forward to putting his development experience to use for the community. He has built dozens of affordable homes throughout Hood River; however, most are now being sold at full market value.
“I have tried a variety of approaches to affordable home ownership in the area, and this model is the only one I’ve seen where locals can afford to buy a home, gain appreciation, and yet the house stays permanently affordable,” said Crafts.
There were several interested buyers for the land, noted Vicki Brennan of Copper West Real Estate. However, the church’s decision to sell to Big River was swayed by their desire to see more affordable housing become available in our community. “It is a privilege to represent Faith Bible Church in the sale of their property that will ultimately provide affordable housing in our community,” said Brennan.
If you are interested in supporting this project, or have questions about community land trusts, contact Sherburne at alysha@bigriverclt.org. To learn more about Big River Community Land Trust, visit www.BigRiverCLT.org.
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