Linkel Construction, Inc.

For example:

• People wish to come to Vinalhaven for jobs critical to the island—police, medical, teachers. With no housing available the community cannot benefit from their much needed skills and talents.

• Rentals with no hot water or heating.

• Several generations of islanders living in the same home because there are no other housing options.

• Elders on limited incomes in older housing that is hard to heat, maintain, and is not adapted to their physical needs.

• Young islanders are moving away because of the lack of housing. VHI is assessing a variety of housing types that could meet the need: single family and duplex modular homes, tiny houses, multi-units in new apartment structures or renovated buildings with both rental and ownership options.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Remage-Healey said.

Home Start planned to apply for a zero-interest forgivable loan by the end of June through the Affordable Housing Initiative for Maine Islands, a program administered by Maine Housing. It also plans to seek smaller amounts of funding for the project from the city of Portland’s Jill Duson Housing Trust Fund and the Peaks Island Fund, which is administered by the Maine Community Foundation.

Remage-Healey said Home Start has agreed to pay the city what’s due in back taxes—probably around $35,000 or so—on the building when the purchase is finalized after it secures funding. A family bought the parish hall from the church years ago, she said, but it was taken over by the city for back taxes.

It is reviewing possible building sites that could be acquired through donation or purchase. Sites with town water and sewer are the most desirable for accessibility and to keep construction costs down.

Affordable housing is critically needed to sustain Vinalhaven as a functioning year-round island community. Island economies are like a delicate fabric. If one thread is pulled out the fabric begins to unravel.

Currently, the VHI board of directors is in formation and seeking additional members and advisors. For inquiries or more information, please contact Elin Elisofon at eelisofon@gmail.com (207) 450-1937 or (207) 867-4866.