For more than two decades, Laurie Reynolds has opened her home to those in need, turning a small garage on her property into a place of refuge.
When she purchased her historic 1899 home in 1992, it came with a partially finished garage. Shortly after moving in, she met a refugee family of three fleeing war. Moved by their situation, she renovated the space to provide them with a home. That single act of kindness grew into a 22-year tradition of offering housing to those in need. Over the years, the space has sheltered a young couple, a music student, and a nurse. What started as an informal act of kindness eventually led Reynolds down the path of creating a more beautiful space for her guests.
The journey was gradual and deliberate. Reynolds spent three years abroad, experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic in Eastern Europe. By the time they returned, they had already invested over $60,000 into the structure. Committed to seeing the project through, Reynolds partnered with a local construction company to reimagine the space. The result was a beautifully designed ADU, complete with a custom window seat overlooking the property, solid wood floors, granite countertops, and luxurious touches like radiant heated tile floors in the bathroom.
As the project neared completion, Reynolds sought financial assistance to finalize the ADU and the main house’s improvements. She turned to WECU, where she has been a member for 45 years. With the help of WECU Real Estate Loan Officer Michelle Clemens, she secured a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to cover the remaining costs.
“To have the credit union come in when we were two-thirds done to put some of that debt to rest—it was divine intervention. It was kind of magical,” Reynolds said. “Michelle was incredible. She was communicative, flexible, and really understood my vision.”
The ADU was completed in February and Reynolds says it’s a space she and her partner might one day move into.
While the primary goal was to create a source of passive income for retirement, Reynolds also sees the bigger picture. More retirees are choosing to downsize into ADUs while renting out their primary homes. And with new Washington State laws allowing homeowners to rent both their primary residence and ADU starting in 2026, the landscape is changing.
Reflecting on the process, Reynolds advises those considering an ADU to find an experienced builder, expect city approvals to take time, and prepare for unexpected costs. She recommends finding a lending partner who truly understands the dream if financing is needed.
For Reynolds, WECU was that partner. “They bend over backward to help,” she said. “That’s why I’ve stayed with them for 45 years—no matter where in the world I’ve been.”
Now, with the ADU’s transformation nearly complete, the home that has always welcomed others is ready for its next chapter—one where kindness, community, and thoughtful planning come together under one beautifully restored roof.
