New members join local housing board on South Whidbey

The Saratoga Community Housing Board of Trustees is bidding farewell to board member Angie Homola.

“We have appreciated the time she has served on the Saratoga Community Housing Board and wish her the very best in her public service,” said Sandra Stipe, executive director of Saratoga Community Housing.

The nonprofit also announced the addition of two new board members.

Katharine Gray has been with the Housing Authority of Island County for more than 10 years. As the homeownership coordinator, she has been involved in the Section 8 Housing Voucher program and has helped 15 low-income families become first time homeowners.

She is also a CASA volunteer working with children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care by the court system.

The Saratoga Community Housing board said Gray’s hands-on experience with families in need will be an asset to the board.

The other newly seated board member is trailblazer Carrie Monforte, who is also the first person to buy a Saratoga Community Housing Community Land Trust home as well as the first SCH homeowner to serve on the board.

“It will be great to have someone who has been served by our program be involved with shaping our course. Carrie has worked with youth for over 20 years in various capacities including preschools, camps, after-school care, youth boards, and recreation programs,” Stipe said. “We are thrilled to have her as part of the board.”

Monforte is currently the program coordinator for the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District.

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