Habitat for Humanity of Island County to buy new construction truck with $25,000 bank grant

Habitat for Humanity of Island County will use a $25,000 grant to purchase a new construction truck, a move the organization says is necessary to maintain its home repair and building operations. The funding comes from Peoples Bank, a local independent bank headquartered in Bellingham that has administered the Impact Grant program since 2017.

The truck will serve as a daily workhorse for the organization’s repair specialist. The vehicle will transport tools, equipment, and building materials to sites across Whidbey and Camano Islands. Without a reliable vehicle, the group faces logistical challenges in reaching homeowners for affordable repair projects and restoring operations at its Habitat Store.

Orin Kolaitis, the chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Island County, stated that the investment will strengthen the group’s capacity to serve local families. “This vehicle will strengthen our home repair and construction programs, allowing us to efficiently reach homeowners across Whidbey and Camano Islands while also restoring essential Habitat Store operations,” Kolaitis said. He added that the grant helps preserve affordable housing and supports future homeowners in the region.

Peoples Bank selected the housing group from a pool of applicants for its 2026 Impact Grant. The program is designed to fund specific projects that provide a lasting, positive effect on local communities. Lisa Hefter, the chief operating officer at Peoples Bank, noted that the grant supports a practical solution for Island County residents. “Habitat for Humanity of Island County has a proven track record of helping local residents maintain safe, affordable housing and create new pathways to homeownership,” Hefter said.

The bank, which holds $2.4 billion in assets and operates 23 locations in Washington, announced the award on October 26. The grant covers the full cost of the new truck, ensuring the vehicle is reliable for the daily demands of construction work. The acquisition allows the nonprofit to keep more of its neighbors safely and affordably housed.

Alongside the $25,000 Impact Grant, Peoples Bank is also running a separate Peoples Choice Grant campaign. Community members can vote for the recipient of a $10,000 award from a list of nine other applicants. The online voting process concludes at midnight on October 23, 2026.