The Fourth Annual Thriving Communities Conference at the Whidbey Institute is featuring the work of Lopez Community Land Trust. Past conferences have highlighted regional thriving community efforts around the topics of food, economy, and health care. This year’s conference focuses on “Shelter.”

Shelter is a topic that connects everyone. Homelessness is not going away, affordable housing is a mainstream concern, and efforts to help elders and veterans stay in their homes are essential to strengthening the fabric of our communities. Lopez Community Land Trust is currently celebrating 25 years of service to their community. The sixth neighborhood of affordable housing, Salish Way, is under construction, due to be completed mid-May.

A seven minute video will be presented at the conference featuring Lopez citizens involved with Lopez Community Land Trust. Other videos will include “Cocoon House” in Everett, tiny houses in Olympia, and more. Representatives from all these organizations in the region will be present at the Conference, March 19-21 at the Whidbey Institute. Everyone is welcome, and can register on their website. http://whidbeyinstitute.org/event/thriving-communities-2015/. Meanwhile, the following trailer, which includes Lopez, will give you a sense of what is being offered. https://vimeo.com/120090652