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 committee from its members 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, including Ed and Karen Kushner and Janet West, a columnist for the Bainbridge Review and future mayor, and begins to search for property. However, its efforts are hampered by the scarcity of units and stiff competition.
