BELLINGHAM, WA — Peoples Bank has donated $10,000 to Kulshan Community Land Trust (KulshanCLT) to support the development of Birchwood LaFreniere Court, a new permanently affordable homeownership community in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood. The contribution helped fund energy-efficient appliances for the homes, furthering the project’s commitment to affordability, sustainability, and long-term cost savings for future homeowners.
Developed by KulshanCLT, Birchwood LaFreniere Court will provide 18 permanently affordable, energy-efficient homes designed to create new pathways to homeownership for local families. The neighborhood includes a mix of townhomes and accessible detached homes, along with community-focused features that encourage connection and belonging. High-performance building standards, all-electric design elements, and energy-efficient systems will help residents reduce utility costs while supporting environmental sustainability.
“At Peoples Bank, we believe strong communities are built when individuals and families have opportunities to achieve stable housing and long-term financial well-being,” said Lisa Hefter, Peoples Bank Chief Operating Officer. “Kulshan Community Land Trust’s work is creating meaningful opportunities for homeownership in Whatcom County, and we’re proud to support Birchwood LaFreniere Court through a contribution that will help future homeowners benefit from energy-efficient appliances and lower household costs.”
The donation aligns with Peoples Bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves and supporting initiatives that expand access to affordable housing.
“Partnerships with community-focused organizations like Peoples Bank make projects like Birchwood LaFreniere Court possible,” said Rose Lathrop, KulshanCLT Executive Director. “Their support helped us equip these homes with energy-efficient appliances that contribute to lower monthly expenses for residents while advancing our vision of permanently affordable, sustainable homeownership opportunities.”
Located in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood, LaFreniere Court is designed to provide affordable homes that remain affordable for generations through KulshanCLT’s community land trust model. The development emphasizes durability, energy efficiency, and community connection, helping ensure that more local families can build equity and put down roots in Whatcom County.
To learn more about Peoples Bank’s community giving programs, visit http://www.peoplesbank-wa.com/giving.
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated independent full-service community bank with $2.4 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has been serving the community for 100 years and operates 23 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com.