A new nonprofit is forming in Langley to provide housing for women and children.

Solveig Lee, a Langley resident, explained that the small group of women call themselves Mothers and Others and are concerned with the lack of affordable housing in the quaint but expensive Village by the Sea. They have set their sights on a mixed-use, 2,384 square-foot building at 724 Camano Avenue, which is listed for sale at $722,500.

The group is holding an open house at the property at 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27. Everyone is welcome to come visit the house and learn more about the project.

A former office space, the house has been on the market for over two years and is a walkable distance to downtown.

Lee said she was once a single mother and knows the challenges they face. She said single mothers are among the most vulnerable population as they must balance the demands of work, child care and housing.

“It’s very difficult to find housing and we want to help as much as we can,” she said, adding that there is a great need for workers in Langley but not enough housing.

Coyla Shepard is also involved in the effort. Her other group, Tiny Houses in the Name of Christ, was successful in getting a tiny homes project built. The Camano Avenue house that Mothers and Others hope to purchase is next to the tiny houses.

Shepard said it’s clear that many women in the community are searching for safe and affordable homes. A total of 33 women were left out after the tiny home village was filled.

The plan is for the Mothers and Others house to provide temporary housing, though it could be as long as two years, Shepard said.

She explained that the group is collecting pledges at this point in case the house is sold before all the funds can be raised. Those interested in helping can contact Shepard at 360-969-9444 or coyla1@gmail.com or Donna Slade at DonnaSlade49@gmail.com.