The need to reduce mortgage payments to make ends meet during the COVID-19 crisis is real and necessary for many people. This arrangement made with your lender/ loan servicer, called forbearance, is temporary and you must pay the money back in the future.

For many lenders/ servicers the issue of forbearance is being dealt with on an individual case by case basis. It is important that you contact your lender/ servicer of your loan to find out what they are doing for individuals who need payment relief through forbearance.

Many people are worried that if they enter into forbearance, they will be obligated to pay a large lump sum of money at the end of the forbearance period.

When I accepted the position of Executive Director for the Methow Housing Trust nearly three years ago, I was well acquainted with the Community Land Trust (CLT) model of permanently affordable homeownership - but I was totally unaware of the origins of the model. I soon came to understand that that the CLT model was born out of the Civil Rights Movement in the deep south in the 1960’s, in an effort to create housing equity for people of color who were unable to get a foothold into secure housing in their own communities. Today, the history of our mission feels more relevant than ever - for Black Americans, and for marginalized people in our own community.

The national association of CLT’s shared these thoughts in a recent newsletter:

Join McKinney Ridge homeowners on a tour of their neighborhood and learn about the qualities and features of a Methow Housing Trust home.

Four new Methow Housing Trust affordable homes in the McKinney Ridge neighborhood sold to local families this May. The MHT staff and homeowners of the first phase of homes welcomed their new neighbors with a parade on Friday May 15th. The Methow Housing Trust anticipates another 4 families closing on home sales on Canyon Street in early summer.

While these new homeowners have been working to become purchase ready for months, or even years, everything seemed uncertain with the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

There are many different ways that Methow Valley residents become homeowners. One option is to build your own home. Methow Housing Trust values being a steward to our land and building quality, affordable homes. In keeping with these values and the desire to help those in our community, Methow Housing Trust is developing resources to help families build affordable houses on their own or affordably hire a contractor.

As things continue to evolve and change with COVID-19, it can be daunting to try to stay abreast of the most current information. Many people, including landlords, may not be aware of the new rules regarding evictions during COVID-19. Here you'll find a few take aways from the recent proclamation by Governor Inslee, made April 16th, related to protections for residential and commercial tenants.

The Methow Valley is showing its true colors once again. This past month has been a cacophony of resourceful solutions, impressive collaborative efforts, rainbows of inspirational acts, and love of community.

And….we are all still adjusting. Thank you to the many MHT supporters who have been reaching out to voice support for our long-term mission during this uncertain time. Until a few weeks ago, MHT had a clear strategic plan, timelines for final construction and closing on home sales for eager applicants, and fundraising goals to help fulfill the growing need for future housing in the Methow Valley.

And then, MHT experienced what every individual, non-profit and small business in the community has experienced

2019 was a year of building homes and building relationships. The Methow Housing Trust is so thankful for all the ways in which our community has helped create affordable homeownership opportunities this past year! See the highlights for MHT in 2019 and what is up next by reading the full report.

Chris and Keri Moore moved into their newly purchased home in the McKinney Ridge Neighborhood in Mazama during the week before Christmas, filled with awe at their good fortune.

The Moores purchased the last of nine houses completed over the past two years by Methow Housing Trust, which is building affordable homes in Mazama and Twisp. “We got incredibly lucky,” Chris Moore said. “We’ve never owned a house before.”

The couple, who are both 32, moved to the Methow Valley in 2016 from Chicago. “Over the past three years our love for the valley and our jobs and our community has gotten stronger,” Moore said.

They knew they wanted to settle permanently in the Methow Valley, because it offers the sense of community and the outdoor recreation opportunities they both love.

Happy Holidays Methow Housing Trust homeowners and community members! For most of us, the notion of the holidays is symbolized by the sharing of gratitude, gathering for a lovingly prepared meal with family and friends, and a feeling of home. Sharing holiday rituals transforms our homes, over time, from structures of wood, concrete and metal, to dwellings of memories and meaning.