Residents on Whidbey have received recently the voter’s pamphlet, which is a great cue that the political peak season is coming our way. As Whidbey citizens continue to submit applications to WISH and the office hears the stories of homelessness daily, the reality for affordable housing options on our island remains a growing concern.

We are presented with a timely opportunity to bring forward issues of importance and relevance concerning our island’s housing crisis. Why not take advantage of this election to share with the candidates the need for affordable housing. The entire homeless state budget for Island County, which includes Camano Island, is less then $1 per person per year!

Rural homelessness is not limited to individuals who find themselves living on the streets or in shelters.

The homeless of Whidbey Island include military personnel, retail clerks, librarians, fixed-income seniors, students, and single-parent households. These people aren’t strangers to us. They are our neighbors, family members, and coworkers.

Doris Newkirk

WISH Executive Director