Honoring Those Who've Come Before Us
At every new beginning, it’s natural to pause and look back—to take stock of what has shaped where we are today. For Housing Lopez, that reflection brings us not only to the homes we’ve built, but to the people whose vision, persistence, and care made that work possible.
As we step into this new year, we want to take a moment to honor two past board members whose leadership helped lay the foundation for everything Housing Lopez is today: Melora Hiller and Richard Manderbach.
From the earliest days of Housing Lopez, Melora and Richard brought steady hands and clear eyes to a problem that can feel overwhelming on a small island. They believed deeply that affordable rental housing was not just possible on Lopez—but essential to its future. And more than that, they believed it could be done thoughtfully, sustainably, and in a way that would last over time.
Together with fellow board members, staff, partners, and community supporters, Melora and Richard played an integral role in the creation of 21 affordable rental homes on Lopez Island. These homes—at Fish Bay Cottages and Village North—now provide long-term stability for island workers, elders, and families, and they stand as living proof that community-rooted solutions can work.
But their impact goes far beyond buildings.
Melora and Richard helped shape how Housing Lopez approaches its work: with fiscal responsibility, long-term thinking, and a deep respect for the people who will live in the homes we create. They asked hard questions, held the mission steady, and helped build an organization designed not just to launch projects—but to steward them well into the future.
Perhaps most meaningfully, they invested in people. Through mentorship, collaboration, and trust, they helped cultivate a team capable of carrying this work forward.
Leaving a board role is never about stepping away—it’s about knowing the foundation is strong enough to hold what comes next. Their confidence in the staff and board they helped build is one of their greatest legacies.
As we say goodbye to the year behind us—and to this chapter of Melora’s and Richard’s formal leadership—we do so with gratitude and deep respect. Their work will continue to ripple outward in every future project, every family housed, and every step Housing Lopez takes toward a more stable, inclusive island.
Thank you, Melora and Richard, for what you built, what you taught us, and what you entrusted to those who follow.
With appreciation and resolve,
The Housing Lopez Board & Staff
