In a significant triumph for Lincoln City's efforts to provide stable and accessible housing, the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, along with its partners, celebrates the inauguration of Wecoma Place—a new 100% affordable housing complex specifically benefiting Echo Mountain Fire survivors and long-standing residents. As reported by the Oregon Housing and Community Services, the opening ceremony is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, as the development opens its doors to provide 44 homes.

"The opening of this new affordable housing development marks a significant milestone for our community,” Karen Rockwell, executive director of the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, enthused, adding that it stands as a testament to the collective resolve towards inclusivity and support; OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell echoed these sentiments, praising the joint local and state response yet while one can acknowledge the collaborative feat, it is essential to consider the ongoing commitment required from both the state and local body to sustain such initiatives.

In the wake of calamity, tax credits and grants have played a crucial role in backing Wecoma Place; the development was buoyed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Housing Disaster Tax Credits, specifically tagged at 9%, and grants from OHCS designated for wildfire and general housing use. Additionally, a gesture of substantial local support came in the form of property tax exemptions and waivers granted by Lincoln City, all directed at reducing overall project costs.

Wecoma Place stands as a beacon of progress in a prime swath of Lincoln City, within reach of public transport and essential amenities, featuring not just desirable community elements—like an elevator, community space and parking—but also energy-efficient homes designed to be cost-effective for its occupants and, as voiced by the Community Services Consortium and Cornerstone Community Housing, fostered with an array of culturally responsive and supportive services, the kind that sew the fabric of tight-knit communities.

Prospective attendees of the landmark event are advised to plan their visit with the notice that parking at Wecoma Place will be solely for tenants. For more information about the grand opening of this inclusive housing effort, directions to the site, or to understand the amenities provided, those interested can find further details on the Oregon Housing and Community Services' official announcement page.