Join Our Founding Board
Help us build a brighter future by creating attainable homeownership, sustainable communities and a stronger path toward long-term stability for individuals and families in Kitsap County.
Different Skills. A Shared Vision.
Starter Home Initiative is assembling its founding board and advisory team as we continue developing our first proposed cottage community, The Orchard Shire, in the Port Orchard and South Kitsap area.
We are looking for people who believe attainable homeownership, sustainable living and community connection can work together to create healthier, more stable communities.
What a Founding Board Member Helps Do
Guide the Organization
Help shape the early direction of Starter Home Initiative and participate in thoughtful strategic planning as the organization grows.
Provide Professional Insight
Bring experience from your field to help the board understand opportunities, challenges and important decisions.
Review Key Decisions
Participate in board discussions involving plans, budgets, partnerships and major organizational decisions.
Help Build Connections
Identify potential partners, resources, funding opportunities and community relationships that may help advance the mission.
Support The Orchard Shire
Help guide development of the first proposed community while keeping future communities and long-term scalability in mind.
Protect the Mission
Help ensure decisions remain aligned with attainable homeownership, sustainability, community connection and responsible stewardship.
Experience That Can Help Build the Foundation
Our goal is to build a small, balanced board that brings together practical experience, financial knowledge, community perspective and a genuine belief in the mission.
Residential Builder / Construction Professional
Experience with residential construction, building costs, materials, site development, contractors or project planning.
Real Estate / Land Professional
Experience evaluating property, land values, purchase considerations, zoning questions or development opportunities.
Mortgage / Lending Professional
Knowledge of homeowner qualification, mortgage lending, affordable lending products and development financing.
Bookkeeping / Financial Professional
Experience with budgets, financial controls, recordkeeping and responsible financial oversight.
Community / Nonprofit Leader
Experience with nonprofit organizations, community programs, partnerships, leadership or local outreach.
Homeowner / Community Representative
A homeowner or community member who believes in the mission and can bring a practical resident perspective to the board.
Residential Builder / Construction Professional
Construction experience will be especially valuable as we move from concept planning toward land evaluation, design and development.
What You May Help With
Construction costs, materials, building methods, site development, infrastructure, timelines, contractor relationships, efficient design, durability and sustainable building practices.
What This Role Is Not
A board member is not expected to personally perform construction or become responsible for day-to-day project management. Any actual construction work would be handled separately through properly qualified and retained professionals.
What to Expect
Meetings
Approximately one board meeting per month during the early planning and development stage.
Virtual or In Person
Meetings may be held virtually or in person depending on schedules and the needs of the organization.
Professional Guidance
Board members contribute insight and perspective but are not expected to personally perform every specialized or licensed service.
Decision Making
Voting directors participate in important organizational decisions and help guide the direction of the nonprofit.
No Required Financial Contribution
Board members are not required to personally fund the organization in order to serve.
Volunteer Service
Founding board service is initially volunteer. Any separate paid professional work would be considered independently.
Not Every Contributor Has to Be a Voting Director
We also welcome people who may prefer to contribute as advisors, professional resources or community supporters rather than serve as voting board members.
Real Estate / Land-Use Attorney
Legal guidance related to land, development, nonprofit governance and future community documents may be valuable as the project develops.
Gardening / Horticulture Advisor
Help shape the community garden, greenhouse, food-growing programs and sustainable landscaping vision.
Homeowner / Community Supporters
Professional housing experience is not required. We value people who understand the importance of attainable homeownership and want to help create a strong, respectful community.
Keeping Board Service Independent
Board membership does not guarantee employment, a construction contract, compensation or future homeownership within the community. Any separate professional or homeowner relationship would be considered independently under applicable policies and program requirements.
Join Our Founding Board
If our mission speaks to you and you believe your experience, perspective or community involvement could help Starter Home Initiative, we’d love to hear from you.
Fill out the form below to join our board or express interest in serving as an advisor or community supporter.