EVERETT Three affordable housing developments are one step closer to reality since Wells Fargo has agreed to be a lending partner for the Everett-based affordable housing and services agency, Housing Hope.
Were working on a whole bunch of projects, said Chris Heaton, head of resource development for the Housing Hope, which has announced a fund-raising dinner in Arlington March 13.
Along with providing financial assistance for the self-help project, Copper Station, in Stanwood, Wells Fargo is also a prime sponsor for the dinner, called Community of Hope, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at Hawthorn Inn, 16710 Smokey Point Blvd. in Arlington.
We have a lot of other business sponsors, too, Heaton added.
Housing Hope is planning self-help and transitional projects in Darrington and Tulalip.
Wells Fargo has offered a $300,000 equity investment in the form of a long-term, low-interest rate loan. The investment funds will be used towards the agencys Housing Opportunity Fund, which supports affordable housing pre-development activity.
We would like to thank Wells Fargo for this investment in Housing Hope and in our communities, said Ed Petersen, Housing Hopes executive director.
With this support, we are able to pursue more housing and land, which in turn we can now provide more homes that people can afford.
The Community of Hope dinner provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for services and housing for low income and homeless families in north Snohomish County and to highlight the housing solutions currently being established in the area.
Diners will be asked to donate, but there is no charge for dinner.
Housing Hope combines emergency shelter and transitional housing with critical services such as life-skills training, childcare, case management, employment counseling and access to health insurance.
Housing Hope offers affordable-rent apartments and homeownership opportunities for low-income residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Community of Hope, Housing Hope – March 13
Housing Hopes Community of Hope Dinner will be at the Hawthorn Inn, 16710 Smokey Point Blvd. in Arlington, Thursday, March 13, with a social hour starting at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. The program will highlight Housing Hope programs with information about future projects in the Arlington area. Proceeds will be used for the wrap around services to Housing Hope families.
Thats what I call the extra support, like basic health services, child care and other programs to help families become self-sufficient, Heaton said.
For information call 425-347-6556 or e-mail to Katie Kendall, at katiekendall@housinghope.org.