Whatcom County nonprofit launches with goal to expand affordable homeownership
A newly launched Whatcom County nonprofit organization is working to expand access to local, affordable homeownership.
The Future Homebuyers Organization (FHO) was founded to “address the widening gap between local wages and home prices,” according to an announcement by the organization.
FHO will partner with developers, community groups and housing counselors to fulfill its mission of ensuring first-time homebuyers, first-generation homebuyers and lower income homebuyers can have a “fair opportunity to build stability and generational wealth through homeownership,” the announcement said.
“At FHO, we believe homeownership is one of the most effective ways to strengthen families and communities,” FHO founder Paul Schissler said in the announcement. “We’re proud to begin this work with partners committed to expanding responsible homeownership opportunities in our region.”
“There are some fantastic local nonprofits doing this work that are simply at capacity. Paul and I decided to start another organzation to help fill in the gaps. We aren’t reinventing the wheel or operating in competition with other organizations. We’re just picking up the slack,” FHO Board President Kerri Burnside told The Bellingham Herald.
Schissler has a long history of supporting local affordable housing efforts. He launched the Kulshan Community Land Trust and served as its first executive director for 10 years. He also helped co-found the Northwest Community Land Trust Coalition and the Whatcom Housing Alliance.
Kerri Burnside is known for her housing advocacy work with the Bellingham Tenants Union and the Silver Beach Neighborhood Association. Both Schissler and Burnside have formerly campaigned for positions on the Bellingham City Council.
FHO’s first initiative will be to help income-qualified households purchase homes at a new housing development by Janicki Residential in Bellingham that is still under construction. Called Madrona, the six-story, housing development located at 820 N State St. is expected to include more than 100 units.
FHO received a $1 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to provide down-payment assistance for seven households earning 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI), “helping make homeownership attainable for families who might otherwise be unable to enter the housing market,” the announcement said.
“Launching FHO with this level of support is both humbling and energizing,” Burnside said in the announcement. “This investment allows us to take immediate action for families who simply need a fair opportunity. The Madrona partnership is the first step toward expanding access to homeownership opportunities across Whatcom County.”
FHO plans to purchase a small group of homes within the development and then pair them with down-payment assistance. Most homes at Madrona will still be offered through traditional market sales as they become available, according to the announcement.
Households interested in seeking assistance through the FHO program can begin the process by completing the interest form on FHO’s website. Those interested in making donations to the nonprofit can do so at their website.
This story was originally published March 25, 2026 at 5:15 AM.
