Submitted by Paula Walker

Board chairwoman of Lopez Hamlet

Last year was a significant challenge for Lopez Island’s adult family home, Hamlet House. Hamlet House is a residence in Lopez Village that provides 24-hour support for to up to six seniors who need support with daily tasks. After years of being full, occupancy fell to 50 percent in late 2014 and despite best efforts there were no new residents in 2015. Occupancy fell to an all-time low of two residents in early 2016. This precipitated a very serious financial shortfall.

To stay afloat, the nonprofit board relied on savings. At the end of 2015, those funds were exhausted and the board had to consider the option of closing Hamlet House. Fortunately, the situation began changing. Hamlet House now has four residents and there is on-going interest from potential residents.

That said, the Hamlet House reserves are exhausted and if occupancy should drop again the shortfall would put its future in jeopardy. A specific fundraising effort for Hamlet House has never been necessary before but the board has set a fundraising goal of $50,000 to begin the crucial work of replenishing the reserves.

“Things are definitely improving,” says Becky Smith, manager of Hamlet House. “But, what we learned is that the resident population will always fluctuate and we must have enough reserves on hand to stay in operation during lean times. Because of our board’s stewardship, we were able to ride out the 18-month dip. But now we’re turning to the community to help rebuild savings and assure future operations for the next time fluctuations occur with our aging population.”

An anonymous Lopez donor has stepped forward offering a $25,000 matching grant for this event.

The fundraiser will be held Saturday, Sept. 3, from 6–9 p.m. at the Lopez Center. Smith calls it a fun event that features a Lopez version of “What’s My Line,” complimentary beer, wine and hearty appetizers, a playful “unconventional” auction, fabulous desserts and more. Tables for eight are available for $800 or individual tickets can be purchased for $110.

For those who can’t attend, donations will also be matched if received by Sept. 3. Donation checks and reservations can be made out to Hamlet House and mailed to P.O. Box 172 or online at www.lopezhamlet.com. Or call Becky Smith at 468-3800 for more information.

“Hamlet House is an incredible asset for Lopez. We are extremely fortunate to have this lovely facility with such qualified staff helping our seniors,” says Smith. “We can’t afford to lose Hamlet House and are very optimistic that the community will help us secure its future. It’s an exceptional option for aging seniors on Lopez.”