People of OTSH: Michael Collins, Board Treasurer
At Our Town St Helena, our work is rooted in a simple idea: people who work in St. Helena should have the opportunity to live here, too. Behind that mission are the people who give their time, experience, financial resources, and energy to help make it possible.
For the past year and a half, Michael Collins has served on the OTSH Board, bringing his background in multifamily real estate development to the organization. His experience gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities involved in developing and preserving workforce housing in St. Helena.
Michael first got involved with OTSH because he wanted to put that experience to work for his community. Affordable housing is not simply about finding a piece of land and building homes. Projects require site investigation and due diligence, project feasibility analysis, design, approvals, and financing. None of this can be accomplished without partnerships, careful planning, and a long-term commitment to keeping those homes affordable.
When asked what attracted him to the OTSH Board, Michael shared
“I was hoping to use my prior experience to assist in the development and acquisition of workforce housing. The mission of OTSH aligns perfectly with my desire to serve and give back to the community I treasure.”
Building a Town Where People Can Live and Work
For a community to thrive, the people who keep it running need to be able to live here. Teachers, restaurant workers, service employees, healthcare workers, and others who make up the fabric of a place need housing that is within reach.
For Michael, what makes OTSH different is its clear and consistent focus on providing housing that is affordable for the people who make St. Helena thrive.
“OTSH is focused on providing quality homes so our fellow neighbors can live and work here, raise their families, and be a part of day-to-day St. Helena,” he said.
Without affordable and attainable housing, St. Helena businesses will continue to struggle to attract and retain the employees they rely on. For many workers, living outside the area means long commutes to and from work.
“Being able to live closer to where you work means less time on the road, less impact on the environment, and more time spent with family, friends, and the community around you. It’s a win-win. I really feel we need a housing stock that serves all of our citizens,” Michael shared. “Everyone should have a quality home. Being able to live where you work allows for a more balanced life.”
Looking Ahead
When Michael looks at what’s ahead for OTSH, he sees opportunities to expand the organization’s portfolio and serve more people in the community.
“In St. Helena, there are a number of apartment complexes and single-family homes that are really attractive opportunities for OTSH to acquire and make part of our portfolio to better serve our community,” he said.
At the same time, Michael wants the community to understand that creating more workforce housing takes time.
“The development process can take years to accomplish,” he said. “There are a lot of obstacles.”
That process can involve years of planning, along with approvals, permitting, fundraising and financing, and other challenges before a housing opportunity becomes a reality. For Michael, understanding the work involved is part of understanding why OTSH’s continued effort is important.
A City Worth Preserving
Michael’s commitment to OTSH is also rooted in his appreciation for St. Helena itself. What he values most about living and working here is the sense of community.
“Everyone is kind and friendly,” he said.
He also believes that providing housing and preserving St. Helena’s character are both important parts of the city’s future.
“We are so fortunate to live in St. Helena. It is a community of great history. It is imperative that we do everything we can to preserve its unique character.”
When he isn’t working with OTSH, Michael enjoys getting outside and exploring St. Helena. He loves walking, running, and riding along the Vine Trail. He and his family also enjoy The Market restaurant and takeout from Azteca makes it into the rotation. Michael also volunteers with the St. Helena Food Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul St. Helena.
For Michael, being part of OTSH is a way to use his experience to help create more opportunities for people to call St. Helena home, while contributing to the community he values.
