To help the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition expand its office space in Langley, the Langley CityCouncil waived application and building fees associated with the purchase and installation of aconstruction-type trailer for an additional office behind its current housing on Camano Ave.

House of Hope, a four bedroom 90-day transitional housing unit, has been completely filled with tenantssince it opened in 2015. The organization has outgrown its office in the attic of the building. House ofHope operates under the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition.

The Washington State Constitution prohibits local governments from giving public funds to privateorganizations, but waiving application and building permit fees is considered by the city council as a gift,according to city documents. A city council report says waiving the fees is consistent with the stateconstitution.

Faith Wilder, president of the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition, was appreciative of the city for allowingthem to use the trailer free of charge.

“Our work is growing exponentially and we don’t have any space for them in the building,” Wilder said.“We’re very grateful for the support of Langley in doing our work.”