OlyFed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Arnold, who is also a South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity board member, says many households are spending more than 30% of their income on housing, leaving less for other essentials like food, healthcare, childcare and transportation. At the same time, high construction costs and limited inventory contribute to housing challenges. “Many homeowners benefitted from the historically low-rate environment that we experienced a few years ago and are staying where they are, rather than moving on and taking out a new mortgage at the rates offered today,” Arnold explains. “This definitely contributes to the housing shortage in our area, causing more people in our community to face housing instability.”

OlyFed and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity share a deep alignment in mission and values. OlyFed’s purpose, to be a staple of good, by advancing the well-being of our neighbors, pairs naturally with Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. That alignment is already making a meaningful difference in our community.

“OlyFed has been an amazing partner in helping advance this shared belief,” South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity CEO Elizabeth Walker shares. “Most especially in facilitating affordable loans for homebuyers in our program and supporting several local housing construction initiatives currently underway.”

OlyFed’s Partnership with SPS Habitat for Humanity Expands Access to Housing Through New and Future Local Home Construction

OlyFed supports Habitat for Humanity’s goals in multiple ways, through building homes; providing charitable support; supplying financing for land, site and infrastructure development; and volunteers. “The core of OlyFed’s mission is helping more of our neighbors become homeowners because we know that when you have a house of your own, transformational life outcomes become possible,” says Arnold.

“Homeownership means stability, community, the opportunity to build wealth and to access capital through equity. These are key differentiators when it comes to improving education levels, health outcomes and our overall quality of life.”

That impact is visible across several local developments taking shape right now. In Tumwater, the Tâlíčn neighborhood, near the Olympia Regional Airport will bring 28 new homes to the community. In Yelm, the Mill Crossing community will add 22 homes and in Olympia, the 3900 Boulevard Development adjacent to LBA Woods is planned to include 112 homes. Each of these projects represents more than new construction, they represent families and individuals gaining stability and a stronger connection to the community. Nationally, Habitat for Humanity is active in all 50 states plus 70 countries, improving millions of lives through home and neighborhood building.

OlyFed Leaders Provide Valuable Expertise on SPS Habitat for Humanity Board: ‘It Feels Good to Do Good’

The South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity board steers these local homebuilding efforts. Arnold serves as Vice Chair of the Habitat board, alongside Cory Swank, OlyFed’s Hawks Prairie Branch Manager, who serves as board secretary. Together, they contribute their expertise on the governance, finance, executive and fundraising committees. Swank says the OlyFed/Habitat for Humanity partnership is a perfect example of how a community bank and a local nonprofit can work together to build for the future of the community. “It feels good to do good,” he says.

Walker applauds OlyFed’s significant assistance. “Jennifer and Cory are exceptional members of our board of directors, bringing strong personal dedication to our mission and deep professional expertise,” she says. “Both value affordable homeownership as a vital part of our community and make our organization better for their commitment.”

For Arnold, the work is deeply personal. Earlier in her career, she worked directly with customers to help them become homeowners. “I missed that connection,” she says. “Serving with Habitat allows me to continue making that impact in a different way.” Swank shares a similar perspective, shaped by his own experiences with housing insecurity in his youth. “I am 100% bought into the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to call home,” he says. “I am privileged and humbled to be part of this work.”

“Having personally been out at the job site on the Tâlíčn project in Tumwater I am excited about the quality of what we are building, too,” Swank adds. “With the community rallying behind us both legislatively and financially through grants, donations and sponsorship we will be successful together.”

‘Women Build’ Seeks Volunteers and Donations May 6-16, 2026

Habitat for Humanity provides other volunteer opportunities, including its annual “Women Build” that brings people together to raise funds and build homes. “Women Build is an amazing event that brings inspired women together from across the community,” explains Walker. “Last year, Women Build volunteers and sponsors raised over $100,000 to support affordable homeownership. This year, with experienced volunteer fundraisers, we think participants will raise even more to support our mission.”

Plan now to join OlyFed at the local Women Build May 6–16, 2026, to help meet Thurston County housing needs.