VHI Project Overview
Since 2024, with funding from Maine Housing and our many supporters, VHI has made significant progress toward creating affordable housing for up to ten island residents.
In 2024, VHI acquired the property on 16 East Boston Road, the site of an existing historical quarry-era house that VHI has converted into two one-bedroom apartments.
VHI also acquired the Department of Transportation's ferry crew quarters, slated for demolition, and moved the quarters to 16 East Boston Road. VHI reconfigured the crew quarters into a three-bedroom family home.
In addition, VHI recently added a pre-built modular home to the location - ferried to the island by the Island Transporter.
History of
VHI
December 2018
Originally formed as "The Vinalhaven Housing Committee" in December of 2018 by the Town of Vinalhaven Select Board to address the critical need for affordable year-round housing on Vinalhaven.
The Committee attempted to address the housing shortage through consideration of ordinance revisions, but the task required extensive research and expert assistance.
The Select Board appointed a seven-member committee to review the Land Use Ordinance for zoning revisions that would promote year-round housing; research energy audit and other home improvement options and grants; review town owned parcels and private land for possible building sites for year-round housing.
November 2021
The Committee realized a study of the housing needs was essential. The Needs Assessment final report in November 2021 indicated out of the 104 respondents, 51 reported experiencing challenges finding housing, with almost 70% indicating affordability being the greatest barrier.
2023
The Vinalhaven Planning Commissions (with input from the Housing Committee and assistance of a professional Land Use Planner) proposed revisions to the zoning ordinance to promote and expand housing options, especially where town water and septic is available. Those revisions were approved at a Town Meeting in November of 2023 and are now part of the current Ordinance.
2023
The Vinalhaven Housing Initiative nonprofit was officially founded in 2023 with a mission to establish year-round, affordable and sustainable housing for island residents. Founding members included:
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Elin Elisofon, President
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Hooper Brooks, Secretary
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Kathi Young, Vice President
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Darline Beckman, Treasurer
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Kristin Alley, Board Member
November 28, 2023
The Vinalhaven Select Board voted to support the Vinalhaven Housing Initiative and their project to acquire the Maine DOT Crew Quarters building located at the Vinalhaven Ferry Terminal and move it to a new location.
2024
VHI was awarded an $840,000 grant from the Maine State Housing Authority under the Affordable Housing Initiative for Maine islands. This important grant allowed VHI to develop and build four units of year-round affordable housing for island residents at 16 East Boston Road.
In September of 2024 VHI officially took ownership of the existing historical quarry-era house and property at 16 East Boston Road.
October 2024
Construction began on VHI's first project to create affordable homes for islanders.
August 2025
The Crew Quarters was reassembled and installed at 16 East Boston Road, joining existing VHI property with two rental apartments.