A new opportunity for affordable homeownership is coming to Bainbridge Island

This fall, Housing Resources Bainbridge (HRB) will break ground on Finch Green, a neighborhood of 22 permanently affordable homes available for purchase to be built on land donated by Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island. The homes are reserved for first-time buyers earning 80% area median income and below, granting low-income families the opportunity to live in a community that is otherwise financially out of reach, and enjoy housing stability, and build equity. 
 
 All 22 houses will have zero-step entries and wheelchair-accessible, ground-floor bathrooms so that people with mobility impairments can visit every home in the neighborhood. Seven houses will be accessible. According to HRB Executive Director Phedra Elliot, “Including units that meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements has become standard practice for us.” She adds, “but Finch Green will be the first time that we consider the accessibility of an entire neighborhood rather than isolated homes, adding another layer of inclusion to what we achieve with affordable housing.” 
 
Sixteen of the 22 homes will have at least three bedrooms. “We are delighted to have this infusion of homes suited for larger families,” said Homeownership Program Director Sherri Raines. “The fact that the neighborhood is within walking distance of five public schools will make it all the more appealing to families. And with all the green space there will be plenty of places for children to play outside. Finch Green will be a wonderful place to grow up – and grow old.” 
 
HRB is a community land trust, a nonprofit that conserves land for permanently affordable housing for rent and sale to low- and moderate-income families. Homeowners purchase the home but lease the ground underneath from HRB. The ground lease allows HRB to regulate home prices so that they are affordable to the next buyer and to limit sales to eligible households. Construction of Finch Green will bring the total number of permanently affordable homes for purchase on Bainbridge Island to 97, all of which are in the HRB community land trust. 
 
To learn more about purchasing a home at Finch Green, reach out to Homeownership Program Director Sherri Raines at sherri@housingresourcesbi.org or 206-842-1909, ext. 19. 
 
PSE partners to support the critical work of HBR.