To preserve affordable housing options for seniors in Parkland, the Pierce County Community Development Corporation (PCCDC) has allocated $750,000 to support a resident-owned cooperative in purchasing Olga Dor Court, a mobile home community primarily serving individuals aged 55 and older. This funding follows concerns raised earlier this year when residents were notified that the property might be sold. In response, residents formed the cooperative with assistance from ROC Northwest at the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, according to anannouncement by Pierce County.
Ben Ward, president of the newly established Olga Dor Homeowners Cooperative, expressed the residents’ concerns, stating, “Our top priority was keeping housing affordable for the people here,” in a statement obtained byPierce County’s official announcements. He outlined the difficult alternative, which would have left many without the means to manage another rent increase. Ward emphasized that the value of cooperative ownership lies in its ability to give residents control over their own rules, budget, and future stability. He also acknowledged the collective effort of all parties involved in achieving this milestone.
The support for this initiative comes from several sources, including the PCCDC acquisition loan fund, the Department of Commerce, the Washington Community Reinvestment Association, and the Washington State Housing Financing Commission. The goal is not only to transfer ownership, but to establish a foundation that allows a vulnerable community to remain stable and avoid displacement. This project marks the first mobile home community preservation effort funded by the PCCDC acquisition loan fund, highlighting a focus on long-term affordability and stability.
The success of the Olga Dor Homeowners Cooperative’s efforts is supported by a network of partnerships. “Olga Dor Homeowners Cooperative will be the sixth resident-owned cooperative community in Pierce County, but the first to receive PCCDC acquisition loan funds. Partnerships like this are critical as we work to preserve affordable homeownership,” Victoria O Banion from the Northwest Cooperative Development Center told thePierce County. The community’s preservation aligns with the county’s vision as outlined in the Affordable Housing Development and Preservation Program. Inspired by similar challenges, the program was incorporated into Pierce County’s 2024-2025 biennial budget, with an allocation of $2.75 million.
The success of Olga Dor Court has set a precedent, showcasing the significant impact of community action. To commemorate this achievement, ROC Northwest will hold an event on December 7 at the Parkland/Spanaway Library, further details obtained fromPierce County announcements.
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