Committed to keeping our island community thriving
Our team believes that affordable housing is the heart of a thriving, inclusive island community. They are committed to delivering on our mission because, without it, many of us wouldn’t be able to stay in the place we love.
EMPLOYEES
Jess Blanch
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jess brings more than 20 years of experience in architecture, affordable housing and community development, with a proven track record of leading teams through growth, innovation, and meaningful community impact…
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Jess brings more than 20 years of experience in architecture, affordable housing and community development, with a proven track record of leading teams through growth, innovation, and meaningful community impact.
Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Programs at Enterprise Community Partners, where she oversaw a cross-functional team to facilitate creation of over 11,000 affordable homes,100 early learning classrooms, and 40 community facilities; secured and managed $4+ million annual budgets utilizing multiple public and private funding sources; advised elected leaders, public agencies, and nonprofits on housing, planning, and design issues; built capacity of community-based organizations through grants, technical assistance, and training; and strategized and advocated for policy and systems change to create more resilient, equitable communities.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Oswyn Eshelman (they/them)
Oswyn is a long time islander who joined our bookkeeping team in 2022. They are passionate about plants, cats, and housing justice…
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Oswyn is a long time islander who joined our bookkeeping team in 2022. They are passionate about plants, cats, and housing justice. They have a background in finance and accounting with work history in corporate finance, governmental finance, and small business bookkeeping. After experiencing firsthand the struggle of finding affordable housing on the island, Oswyn was excited to begin using their talents to support the mission of the Home Trust.
Since becoming the Director of Finance in 2023, they’ve been an anchor of our operations, continuing to grow and professionalize our financial capabilities as an organization.
CONSULTANTS
Karl Eberhard
CONSULTANT HOUSING PROJECT MANAGER
Karl serves as a contract Project Manager for San Juan Community Home Trust, supporting the advancement of the organization’s largest development initiatives…
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Karl serves as a contract Project Manager for San Juan Community Home Trust, supporting the advancement of the organization’s largest development initiatives. He works closely with staff, consultants, public agencies, and community partners to move projects through planning, design, permitting, and implementation while maintaining focus on schedule, budget, and long-term mission outcomes.
Karl brings more than forty years of experience in architecture, development, public-sector leadership, and affordable housing. His career has included founding and leading a professional practice, managing complex municipal programs, and helping mission-driven organizations deliver housing and community-serving projects. He has extensive experience translating technical, regulatory, and financial issues into clear, practical decisions that help boards and organizations move forward with confidence.
An island resident with deep roots in community service, Karl has served in numerous leadership and fiduciary roles, including with housing organizations, preservation boards, community foundations, and service nonprofits. His work reflects a strong commitment to permanent affordability, thoughtful stewardship of community assets, and strengthening the long-term stability of island life.
At the Home Trust, Karl’s role is grounded in collaboration, steady project leadership, and a belief that well-executed affordable housing projects can make a lasting difference for current and future generations.
Lily Goldberg (she/her)
DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
Lily moved to the islands from Philadelphia, where she graduated from Temple University with a degree in Urban Studies & Community Development, and worked with several affordable housing & community development nonprofits. In 2015, Lily biked 4,200 miles across the country, stopping along the way to work on affordable housing construction sites.
She joined the Home Trust team in 2020 and spent nearly 6 years as the Director of Housing, while she now works for OPAL on Orcas Island, she still provides support to our Housing Program on contract.
Treehouse CDS
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING PARTNER
Treehouse Creative Digital Solutions is proud to serve as the San Juan Community Home Trust’s marketing and communications partner, helping share its mission and impact through strategic storytelling, digital marketing, design, and community outreach.
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Treehouse Creative Digital Solutions is a San Juan Islands-based marketing and communications agency helping businesses and nonprofits strengthen their presence, tell their stories, and connect meaningfully with their communities. As the San Juan Community Home Trust’s marketing and communications partner, Treehouse supports the organization through strategic communications, social media, website content, newsletters, graphic design, print materials, public relations, community outreach, and campaign development.
With extensive experience working alongside nonprofits and community organizations throughout the San Juan Islands, the Treehouse team understands the importance of translating complex programs and big-picture goals into clear, engaging communications. Their work with the Home Trust focuses on helping community members better understand permanently affordable housing, sharing the stories of homeowners and neighborhoods, celebrating milestones, and communicating the lasting impact of the Home Trust’s mission.
From digital campaigns and community education to project updates and fundraising communications, Treehouse is proud to help the San Juan Community Home Trust share its work and build greater awareness and support for permanently affordable housing on San Juan Island.
San Juan Island Community Foundation
FUNDRAISING PARTNER
The San Juan Island Community Foundation is a grantmaking nonprofit organization dedicated to the San Juan Island community.
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The Community Foundation (SJICF) was established in 1994 by a diverse group of islanders who wanted to support the quality of life on San Juan Island. They witnessed the important work being done by local nonprofit organizations and recognized the value of investing in their own community.
We are made up of more than 80 funds representing individuals, families and organizations. SJICF is unique among local nonprofit organizations because we strive to be a resource for both our donors and local nonprofit organizations.
SJICF provides leadership for key community issues. We distribute grants to support and advance local nonprofit activities and projects. We identify current and emerging issues and critical needs. We find ways to address short and long-term needs, and with the help of donors, we seek to address these needs through grant making and building a community endowment to support a thriving San Juan Island community long into the future.
Our goal is to provide exceptional philanthropic guidance and service to our donors. Whatever your charitable budget, we are here to help you give wisely and have the impact you want.
Our work with community nonprofits is not limited to grantmaking. We are cultivating a strong leadership role in the community supporting nonprofits with advice and resources.
Kasha Goldberg
OFFICE GREETER, EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Kasha moved to the island in January of 2021 and immediately picked up an important job in our office of greeting visitors and giving snuggles.
When she’s not at the office, she’s chasing tennis balls at the dog park and napping in the sun.