Vinalhaven takes action on housing

Nonprofit forms to investigate solutions

The Vinalhaven Housing Initiative (VHI) has been established to create year-round, sustainable housing options for decent and safe housing that is affordable to lowerand middle-income individuals and families, senior citizens, and physically challenged people who would otherwise be unable to afford rental or homes due to rapidly escalating prices.

The housing organization is an IRS approved, 501c (3) non-profit organization which is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. It is working in partnership with Vinalhaven’s town government and community organizations to obtain funding, building sites, and the rehabilitation of selected housing.

In late 2020, the town’s board of selectmen established a housing committee in response to the need for an increased supply of year-round and updated existing housing. VHI was created as a direct result of the housing committee’s work.

Housing committee members communicated directly with the staff and board members of several other Maine island housing non-profit organizations and became convinced that a not-for-profit housing initiative was the most expedient way to address the housing crisis on Vinalhaven.

Like similar non-profits, VHI will be funded predominantly through private donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government grants.

There are many typical situations that illustrate the challenges faced by those who need decent, affordable year-round housing on Vinalhaven.