October 2005

Islands Challenge Fund approves grant to create affordable housing for year-round residents on Monhegan Island

The Islands Challenge Fund recently made a $25,000 matching grant to Monhegan Island Sustainable Community Association (MISCA) to help the organization purchase a house and land to create two new permanently affordable homes. "This project will go a long way toward stabilizing our winter community," said Doug Boynton, President of MISCA. "Not only will two families be able to purchase homes, but two below market-price rentals will now be available to year-round residents."

 

MISCA volunteers used the opportunity to apply for an Islands Challenge Fund grant to bolster local fundraising efforts and secure contributions from island institutions as well as generous gifts from individuals. The Islands Challenge Fund provided an important piece of funding needed to make the entire project possible. As Boynton pointed out, "The Islands Challenge Fund is important not only as a source of funding, but also because it connects us with in-shore organizations, expertise, and support." The Islands Challenge Fund is a collaborative effort of four organizations including the Genesis Community Loan Fund, Island Institute, Maine Sea Coast Mission, and Maine Community Foundation. Each organization offers resources, expertise, and commitment to ensure that island-based affordable housing and community facility projects succeed.

 

In this way, the Islands Challenge Fund helps to build island organizations that may ultimately make the difference between the continued existence of vibrant year-round communities and their complete conversion to seasonal havens. "Without an island affordable housing program and resources like the Islands Challenge Fund, the winter community on Monhegan would disappear in a generation," concluded Boynton. "This project is as much about community sustainability as it is about housing." For more information on the Islands Challenge Fund contact Liza Fleming-Ives at 207-563-6073.

 

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