What We Learned From the 2025 Housing Needs Survey

A snapshot of the housing crisis on Lopez, who’s being affected, and how we move forward together.

Over the past few months, our team has been gathering the information that will guide our 2026 strategic plan. One hundred seventy-four of you—full-time residents, part-time residents, lifelong Lopezians, and newly arrived neighbors—took the time to share your experiences and perspectives. That’s roughly 5.5% of our island. Your responses were thoughtful, candid, and deeply illuminating. They also confirmed what many of us feel every day: housing remains one of the most urgent challenges facing Lopez. Nearly all respondents emphasized that stable, affordable homes for island workers—especially service workers—are still a critical need. This reflects what we see on the ground: the people who keep Lopez running simply cannot find the long-term housing they need to stay here. But you also told us something else. Many community members expressed strong support for expanding the types of housing available on Lopez. Tiny homes, surprisingly, received broad enthusiasm. However, when it comes to preferred unit sizes, two-bedroom homes ranked highest, followed closely by one-bedrooms and studios. This mix reflects a desire for flexibility—housing that can support many different life stages and circumstances.

Behind the Numbers: Real People, Real Struggles

More than a third of the 174 survey respondents said they experienced housing insecurity this year. Among them:

Many have made frequent, destabilizing moves.
Some are living without basic necessities like water, heat, cooking facilities, or bathrooms.
Some are paying far more than 30%—and even 50%+—of their income on housing.
And it appears that nearly half are full-time Lopez workers, underscoring just how fragile housing is for the people who form the backbone of island life.

A smaller yet significant number reported experiencing homelessness this year. When you include those living in temporary or unstable arrangements, a clearer picture emerges—neighbors staying in campers, boats, work-trade situations, or short-term spaces never intended for long-term living. These aren’t abstract statistics. They’re parents, caregivers, young workers, seniors on fixed incomes—people trying to stay rooted on the island they love.

What This Means for Housing Lopez

Just as housing conversations here have never really been about buildings, these survey results aren’t just numbers—they point us toward what people on this island truly need.

In the months ahead, Housing Lopez will use this community input to shape a strategic plan that guides our work for the next three years. The message is clear: Lopez needs a broader range of affordable rental options that fit different household sizes, incomes, and needs.

That means exploring new models, new partnerships, and new ways of building—not just more housing, but more kinds of housing. For example, small rental homes and apartments, for workers, elders, and families. This diversity is how we ensure people don’t fall through the cracks.

We’re grateful to everyone who shared openly about your experiences, challenges, and hopes. Your voices are shaping our long-term direction and helping us focus our energy where it’s needed most.

Thank you for helping us understand the full picture.
Thank you for caring about your neighbors.
And thank you for continuing to believe in a more stable, inclusive Lopez.

As we close out the year, we carry your stories and your insights with us—and we’ll keep working to ensure everyone who contributes to island life has a place to call home.

Warmly,
The Housing Lopez Board & Staff