The Mason Street Neighborhood groundbreaking marked the beginning of construction on the largest affordable housing development in East Jefferson County’s history, a community-driven effort to create 138 permanently affordable homes and expand homeownership opportunities for the people who live and work here.
We celebrated the groundbreaking on August 26, 2026. We were honored to welcome U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Representative Emily Randall, and WA State Rep. Steve Tharinger. We appreciate their tireless and unwavering work and support for affordable housing.
After a welcome and introduction by Executive Director Jamie Maciejewski, Siobhan Canty from the Jefferson Community Foundation gave a wonderful overview of the start of this project, five years ago, and the incredible collaboration that has brought us to this point. Jefferson County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour spoke, calling out the work and support by the Community Development, the Planning Commission, and the PUD. Chimacum School District Superintendent Scott Mauk spoke about the impact the Mason Street project will have on our community’s families and children, and our workforce, especially school district staff and teachers.
What happens next?
- The groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction, not the completion of the work. Construction is beginning with Phase I infrastructure and the first 32 homes.
- We have secured the resources needed to begin Phase I with confidence.
- This is an important milestone, but not the finish line. Construction, fundraising, and community partnership will continue through 2032.
- Building the full neighborhood will require continued community partnership and support.
- Together, we are creating opportunities for more people to build their future in East Jefferson County.
What are we building?
- 138 permanently affordable homes on 17 acres in Port Hadlock.
- Two small group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- A mixed-income, walkable neighborhood connected to the primary school, the public library, shopping, and transit.
- We are building a neighborhood, not just homes.
Why are we building this neighborhood?
- Housing costs have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many local households.
- The people who make our community work increasingly struggle to find affordable housing.
- The Mason Street Neighborhood is designed to create more homeownership opportunities for the people who live and work in East Jefferson County.
- This project is an investment in the long-term health and vitality of our community.
How did we get here?
- Community members brought the former airfield property to Habitat’s attention and asked if we could do something big together.
- Their support helped make the project possible
- The Mason Street Neighborhood is a community-driven effort from the ground up.
- This is what community-led change looks like.