Affordable housing is becoming increasingly scarce on Bainbridge Island, and there is no housing agency to address the need. The Helpline House board of directors convenes a housing committee to explore options for addressing the shortage but ultimately determines that the need is beyond its mission and recommends that a separate entity be created. The committee expands to include other community members and begins to search for property. However, its efforts are hampered by the scarcity of units and stiff competition.