I am sorry that Laura Jean Schneider has left the Leader and our community. She is an excellent reporter and she represents the hard work of a small dedicated staff at the Leader. We are fortunate to have an independent, locally-owned newspaper. 

Her opinion piece is a rousing call to all of us to do what we can to support local business and to address our affordable workforce housing crisis. Her’s is a story that happens far too often.

So why did she dismiss the efforts of folks who are working to create locally built solutions for workforce housing? After agreeing with all her points, I was stopped in my tracks by her dismissal of ADUs and homeshares.

Many, many volunteers and committed staff are working in multiple ways to “unlock” affordable housing options. I regret that we didn’t find that solution that worked for Laura in time! 

I will not give up in despair. I will stay motivated to avoid the loss of hardworking and talented people.

Each one of us can do something! Maybe building an ADU in a sideyard. Maybe working on the Community Build tiny house crew. Maybe linking a 95-year-old widow with a young teacher who is being evicted from a rental. Maybe contributing to one of the many housing nonprofits. Maybe talking with neighbors, county commissioners, and city councilor members about what can be done. Maybe taking a look at the Housing Solutions website to find a working group focused on an important issue.

I hope that our loss of her talents will mobilize even more folks to join in finding new and permanent solutions for workforce housing.

Carla Main
Housing Solutions Network volunteer
PORT TOWNSEND