Harbor Homes of Martha's Vineyard 2022-2023 Annual Report

Caringfor Community

life path called them to the island where they built a life, laying down roots in a close-knit community.

Alongside the joys of living on Martha’s Vineyard, each resident also faces rapid changes affecting the community. A housing crisis makes it harder each year for those with low or moderate incomes to find ways to stay. At any given time in Dukes County this past year, over 120 people faced homelessness

Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard has been caring for islanders, working since 2019 to ensure that low-income residents, who are homeless or facing homelessness, have access to safe,

sanitary, and secure housing so they can participate as healthy and productive citizens. This mission is achieved by providing housing options, overnight shelter, referral, and support services, life skills education, and advocacy for collaborative, locally driven solutions for individuals and families.

In this past fiscal year July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023, Harbor Homes’ operating expenses were $595,815. 29% of our revenue came from fundraising resulting in donations from individuals and foundations. 66% came from grants from government agencies and other local grants.

PhotoCredit:RandyBaird

Harbor Homes exists to ensure that everyone on the island has someplace they can call home. When someone arrives as a guest at the Winter Shelter, they are greeted with a smile and enter a place where they can stay for the season if they need to. Each cot offers a guest a small slice of stability. Each warm meal and the companionship of the shelter staff and volunteers gives a guest a sense of belonging. Health providers and other caring professionals see to it that their basic needs are met, no matter their current circumstances.

Those who participate in either the men’s or women’s congregate home program come home each day to a lovely space surrounded by the comforts of their shared living space, finding a kitchen where they can cook their favorite foods, companionship from fellow program participants, and most importantly, a private room of their own where they can include the small touches that make it a personal sanctuary In the Harbor Homes congregate home, each person has access to a trained case management professional who cares about them, offers guidance on their life journey, and helps them consider how they will build a future for themselves without having to worry about where they will sleep each night.

I am no longer embarrassed about my living situation. I’ve increased my savings and picked up my writing again, a hobby I am incredibly passionate about. I have found solace and support in my new community at the women’s house.”

Sandy, a participant in the New York Avenue Women’s Congregate Home Program

PhotoCredit:RandyBaird

Every person deserves a warm, welcoming home where they can rest their head each night and feel respite from the world As we begin and end each day in our homes with the privilege of shelter, we carry a shared responsibility to help others who lack this critical resource Our joint action towards ending homelessness not only fulfills our community responsibilities but also fills our hearts.

We have learned much through our work about how someone finds themselves in need of emergency shelter. Who is facing homelessness on the island? Over half of those guests who seek shelter with Harbor Homes are working full-time, yet they cannot find affordable housing options They have families and loved ones or are part of faith communities, yet even with these networks, they cannot rely on sharing others’ housing on an ongoing basis Many people who live in our congregate homes are aging here on the island in the place they have called home for years, but they face a severe shortage of available elderly apartments Some of the guests we serve face personal challenges with addiction and mental health but find themselves falling through the cracks in the systems available to help with their recovery, and they need shelter as they rebuild their lives.

Whether it is a warm meal and company offered at the winter shelter or the life skills and stability of a bedroom at our congregate houses, Harbor Homes offers healing comfort to those whose life circumstances have placed them at risk of losing a home which is an essential piece of a healthy, productive life While Harbor Homes has not yet met every need for housing for the lowest-income residents on the island, we aim to deepen our partnerships and build more knowledge of this issue among the general population As informed and caring neighbors, we can end the stigma surrounding those who lack shelter Together, we can continue to build a bedrock organization on Martha’s Vineyard to end the condition of homelessness.

We are honored to steward the abundance of caring that Harbor Homes has built in our island community. Please read this annual report and take a moment to consider adding your support to the cause.

The Harbor Homes Staff

Lisa Belcastro, Shelter Coordinator

John Cabral, Shelter Staff

Sue Diverio, Executive Director

Samantha Gargiulo, Shelter Staff

Rebecca Jamieson, Case Manager, Tashmoo House

Madelena Lopes, Shelter Staff

Cecilia McCarthy, Shelter Staff

Donna McElroy, Shelter Staff

Maura Morrison, Homeless Prevention Case Worker Case Manager

William O’Rourke, Shelter Staff

By The Numbers

120 PEOPLE HOUSED, SHELTERED, OR SUPPORTED WITH SERVICES

1,598 MEALS SERVED AT OUR WINTER SHELTER

33 VOLUNTEERS HELPING AT THE SHELTER

624 CONGREGATE HOMES DINNERS

Harbor Homes (data from July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)

2,222 MEALS SERVED

12 BEDS IN CONGREGATE HOUSES

While other housing entities on the island have importantly focused on those with incomes of 30% to 150% of HUD’s area median income, Harbor Homes seeks to address those who are “too poor for affordable housing” as they do not have the income or subsidy to access even the Island’s existing subsidized units.

The Island’s socio-economic diversity is eroding as lower-income households are dwindling in number and in proportion to the population, beyond normal inflationary trends Many of these residents are essential to the Island’s seasonal, tourist, and service economy.

2023 HUD Current area Median Individual Income: $87,450 Harbor Homes serves those earning between 0% and 30% ($27,350)

In 2019, the Island’s average weekly wage of $1,094 was 70% of the state average and the median home price was more than double the state’s, clearly signaling the disparity between what residents can afford and existing housing costs.

Over 2,600 residents pay more than 30% of their income on housing

We saw the highest number of registered guests at 34 people in the shelter

SOURCES: Martha’s Vineyard Commission

HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT

December 2020 :

Dukes County Regional Housing Authority

A person experiencing chronic homelessness might not always fit the common stereotype. One of Harbor Homes’ current participants from our New York Avenue Women’s House has allowed us to share her story under a changed name

Sandy was thriving in 2018; having published two books and establishing a very successful hospitality and cleaning business on Martha’s Vineyard She was ready to fulfill her dream of relocating to Europe After selling her company, she traveled all over Europe to search for the perfect location to start her next adventure in life. Captivated by the local castle and atmosphere, she settled on Bamburgh, England, and even had a few clients lined up so she could continue her profession. When she returned to the Island to finalize her plans, she discovered that she had fallen victim to an extensive amount of credit card fraud, losing $30,000 with only a fraction of it recovered In the same year, she had two serious medical emergencies resulting in multiple hospitalizations on and off the island, one of which led to a debilitating chronic illness

Sandy’s loss of financial stability, unbearable chronic pain, and declining mental health pushed her into a dangerous mental health crisis in October 2019. She survived and immediately sought help from her counselor who admitted her into a local facility where she received in-patient treatment for 34 days.

Once released, Sandy was officially unhoused. With nowhere to call home, she couch-surfed and stayed in a local motel, supported by a generous friend, until she secured a room rental The majority of her social security disability income now went towards the room rental in a home that most would consider inhabitable Boxes and filth lined the halls and common spaces and she witnessed her landlord and housemates abuse drugs and alcohol around the clock Sandy couldn't understand how she found herself in this situation due to nothing more than a series of health and financial misfortunes.

Her luck turned around when someone from a supportive services agency recommended she apply to the Harbor Homes congregate program. Fitting all the criteria, she was able to move into our secure and supportive home on New York Ave Staff and fellow female housemates welcomed her with comradery and respect Sandy is now able to focus on her health and mental well-being while paying a small program fee to reside at the home while receiving holistic case management services

Sandy joins a shared home with five other women, living privately, but with the ability to cook, rest, and build relationships with others facing similar challenges. The Harbor Homes staff gives her a regular touch point to work through difficult moments in her life path.

What is a Congregate Home?

A congregate home is a shared living arrangement that allows people in similar life circumstances to dwell under one roof for a specific purpose. In this case, Harbor Homes operates two congregate homes for single, low-income adults who were formerly or imminently at risk of becoming homeless. The Tashmoo Avenue house for men and the New York Avenue house for women each have 6 private bedrooms, shared kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry room, lounge area, and outdoor space with all utilities, internet, and television included. Program participants pay a monthly program fee ($450/month), contribute to the maintenance of the house, and have access to a case manager who visits to meet with them individually and as a group to provide resource and referral services to ensure the homes are safe, comfortable, and a supportive environment for all

Congregate House Program Goals:

Ensure that people on Martha's Vineyard who live in poverty have access to safe, sanitary transitional housing

Offer individualized case management services to low-income individuals to better address their health, mental health, education, employment, and financial issues

Provide opportunities and support to strengthen social competency, pre-vocational skills, and capacity to be successful tenants, employees, and community members

Offer a supportive and transformative experience to those traumatized by homelessness

The Overnight Winter Shelter had its busiest season in 2022-2023. The team faced challenges even before the season opening at the temporary site on the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services campus as they navigated approvals from the Martha’s Vineyard Public School Committee After a delayed opening, the shelter received the necessary approval and opened on December 1

Shelter guests were provided hot meals every night through the generosity of the island churches’ community supper program and compassionate chefs and restaurant owners. Breakfast was cooked onsite every morning by the overnight staff, and guests always had snacks of fresh fruit, granola bars, or trail mix

The shelter team served:

34 registered guests, four women and thirty men.

Ages from 22 years old to mid-70s.

Some of the shelter guests were graduates of MVRHS.

Harbor Homes thanks the incredible men and women who make up the shelter team. They are moms and dads, grandparents, nurses, gardeners, teachers, tradesmen, retirees, realtors, bookkeepers, and bakers They serve dinners, check bags, lend a listening ear, deliver food, oversee showers, fold laundry, cook breakfast, scrub toilets, make beds, clean up messes, distribute tissues, collaborate on puzzles, and wipe down tables The shelter team offers love, grace to those in less-than-perfect situations, and kindness when so many look the other way or look on in judgment.

Veterans and retired school teachers needed the shelter, as did a few folks working year-round jobs.

On September 14, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis (FL) flew 49 migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. Without any prior warning, the community sprang into action to provide food, lodging, counseling, child care, and legal services

The Harbor Homes Shelter Program was an integral part of this Island-wide response which included first responders, paid staff, volunteers, and compassionate residents, both year-round and seasonal

Beth Folcarelli, CEO of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS), called Harbor Homes Shelter Director, Lisa Belcastro, as soon as the migrants arrived. Janet Constantino, a clinician at the MVCS Island Counseling Center and a long-time shelter volunteer, immediately reached out to her pastor, Father Chip Seadale of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the former site of the Houses of Grace shelter, asking to use the church as an emergency shelter site as Harbor Homes’ newly adopted shelter site was not yet open Father Chip offered a heartfelt and compassionate “yes ” Lisa Belcastro and other shelter staff and volunteers were professional,

corganized, and adaptive in aiding these individuals and families and they remain in communication with our migrant friends to this day The unexpected arrival of people in crisis presented both stress and inspiration, from which we continue to draw lessons

Communication and collaboration between staff, board, and volunteers in all program areas of the organization is essential during an emergency

Media training and identifying a media spokesperson is crucial. The complex issue of homelessness requires a comprehensive coordinated response.

Our community will act with generosity when the need arises Harbor Homes received gifts ranging from $10 to $25,000 In November of 2022, we distributed $15,000 to the migrants who decided to permanently reside on the Island and remaining funds have been used for ongoing support of other migrants and immigrants on Martha's Vineyard

Photo Credit: Ray Ewing

Harbor Homes hosts a full-time Homeless Prevention Caseworker funded by each town on the island. This critical public resource allows us to provide 24-hour on-call assistance to those with housing instability Clients call to access rental assistance, to explain their situation, and to receive connections to resources both on and off the island

The hotel respite program was implemented in 2020 to shelter those facing or at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness during the winter season who couldn’t otherwise stay at our winter shelter.

The priority populations served are families with children who have abruptly lost their housing or individual adults who are homeless and medically fragile, either physically or emotionally

In fiscal year 2023 Harbor Homes rented over 5 units from local hotels and motels where stays ranged from 1 week to 4 months. The people served under this program also received personalized case management from our Homeless Prevention Caseworker.

Our hotel respite program saves lives and we are calling upon local hospitality businesses to support our mission in partnership Harbor Homes has a goal to secure new units in winter 2025 to ensure the continuation of this program.

The Homelessness Prevention Case Manager provided support to 77 individuals.

The 2022-2023 winter shelter saw an increase in new guests by 26%

The Homeless Prevention worker assisted 13 families with minor children.

Harbor Homes made 177 referrals to locally operated resources and community partners.

Photo Credit Randi Baird

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as the Board President of Harbor Homes for the past year and I’d like to share some of the highlights

We are very proud to have received a state grant from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for $257,488 per year for the next ten years This grant covers the cost of operating our Winter Shelter including staffing, cots, linens, food, and rent, and enables us to enhance our program with additional social services and client support

Many thanks for this and to the commitment and perseverance of our former Director of Institutional Advancement, Karen Tewhey, who retired this year. We’re extremely grateful to her for her tireless work to help those we serve and wish her well.

As everyone on the Island knows, we’re in a housing crisis. As the number of people unsheltered grows, we continue to provide housing or services for those in our community living in poverty. Looking to the future, we have an urgent need to find a permanent site for our Winter Shelter to ensure that we have a secure location year after year. Although the State Grant provides the funding to operate our shelter, it does not cover the costs of purchasing a site. To own and operate the first permanent overnight shelter on the Island is a top priority.

We continue to operate our two congregate homes, Tashmoo House for men and New York Avenue for women We’re happy to report that we own the men’s house and as of the end of this fiscal year, we owe just under $40,000 on the New York Avenue house, leaving us with significantly reduced debt

All of this work could not be accomplished without our extremely dedicated and hard-working staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers They are passionate about our mission and remain committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. I thank them for their unwavering commitment and I thank you for your continued support.

Jennifer Frank Board President

Jennifer Frank, President

Cathlin Baker, Vice-President

Timothy Delaney, Treasurer

Dorie Godfrey, Secretary

Doreen Anderson

Douglas Best

Marjorie Mason

Shirley Redd

David Vigneault

Edward (Peter) Vincent

Genie Ziegler

Board Committees/Chairs

Executive Committee Chair - Jennifer Frank

Facilities Committee Chair - Douglas Best

Finance Committee Chair - Timothy Delaney

Policy, Procedures, Governance Committee Chair - Dorie Godfrey

Development & Outreach Committee Chair - Jennifer Frank

Shelter Committee - Peter Vincent

Grant Review Committee - Genie Ziegler

Revenue and Expenses

In fiscal 2023, 29% of our revenue came from donations from individuals and foundations and from fundraising; and 66% came from grants from government agencies and local foundations. The remaining 5% came from fees from program participants living in our congregate homes and from reimbursements for our homeless prevention caseworker

Payroll was our biggest expense at 24% of revenue. Program operations expenses were 14% of revenue, including the cost to run our congregate homes and the winter shelter. Program management expenses were 10% of revenue, including outlays for interest, insurance, bookkeeping, audit, and our art show

TotalRevenue $1,223,834

Financial Position June 2023

At the end of fiscal 2023, our main assets were the congregate houses we own Our Tashmoo house was debt-free, while there was a $38,475 mortgage on our New York Avenue house, which had a book value of $1,529,313 Our cash exceeded our liabilities at fiscal year-end by 4 7x and covered 7 months of our average monthly expenses for the year.

Assets

Total $2,709,031

Liabilities and Equity

Total $2,709,031

Mortgage $38,475

We received donations totaling $359,705 over the past year We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the following individuals:

Doreen Anderson

Lena Anderson

Nancy Atwater

Christina Bailly

Brenda Gerosa Beal

Hannah and Leonard Beford

Lisa Belcastro

Berger Family Foundation

Steven Bernier

Jana Bertkau

Richard Bertkau

Douglas and Maureen Best

Theresa Bleck

Ysabel Bombardiere

Mary and Jonathan Boyd

Jane Bradbury

Christina Bragg

Esther Brandon

Cecilia Brennan

Geraldine Brooks

Anita Butler

Dana Capage

Irene Carmen

Carol and Gene Ludwig Family Foundation

Deborah and James Carter

Brian and Mary Carty

Lucinda Cassells

Debra Cedeno

Gary and Diane Chadwell

Edward Cheal

Megan and Peter Chernin

Daniel Cooney

Donald Corner and Jenny Young

Cana Courtney

Pamela Craven

Sinclair Crockett

Mary Louis Crofton Atkins

Michael Cutler

Ron and Cheryl Dagostino

Stephanie Danforth

Helen and Arne de Keijzer

Dickinson Family Foundation

Ronald Domurat

Regis Donavan

Jennifer Dossantos

Scott Doughty

El Edwards

Edwards Harris Family Fund

Lisa Eilers

Jacob Faber

Catherine Fenn

Pamela Flam

Flanagan Family Foundation

Jill-Anne Fowler

Jennifer and Scott Frank

James Gammil Jr. and Susan Alexander

Mary B. Gardner

Susan Egbert and Tony Gilroy

Dorie Godfrey

Laila Gonzalez

Emily Grebenstein

Gerald Green

Margaret L. Griffin

James Hannon

Elizabeth Harris

The Harvey McNairy Foundation, Inc

Marcia Hecht

Jeremy Houser and Sara Hoffman

Sarah Hughes

Justine Hull

Ann Hunt

Michael Jamanis

Michelle Joanou

Philippe Jordi

James Kaib, Jr.

Roxanne Kapitan

Carolyn Kegler

Don Keller

Seth A. and Beth S. Klarman

Kimberly Knickle-Tierney

Michaela Kohler

Sarah Kosa

Ursula Kreskey

Giocchina Kuester

Karyn Kusama

Jeff and Kristen Kusama-Hinte

Marshall Lambert

Mark Langley

Robert Laskowski

James Leach

Philip Magcalas

Christine Maio

Darin Maner

Donna Marchand

Judith and Robert Maynes

Peter and Laurie McTeague

Mary McVea

Walter and Kathryn Meinelt

Casey Meleney

Robert A Melich

Susan Mellin

Ann Merin

Edward F Miller & Monina Von Opel

Michael Miller and Alisa Levine

Linda Mitchell

Maureen Murphy

Marybeth Nacey

Ronald Nesset

Barack and Michelle Obama

Robert O'Rourke

Kara O'Sullivan

Sean O'Sullivan

Overbrook Family Advised Fund

Cindy Pace

Pearson-Rappaport Foundation

Beatrice Phear

Karen Pontremoli

Deborah Prevedi

Tim Putnam & Katherine Delany

Barbara Rogers and James Domuat

Dean Rosenthal

Mary Ross

Joanna Rozen

Amanda and Richard Saltzberg

Howard Sashin

Alvia Sawyer

Kristine Scheffer

Elizabeth Ann and William Seabourne

Bernard Segal

Lauren Jane & Joseph Anthony Serpa

Timothy Sheble-Hall

Sharon Shewmake

Wade Simmons

Gina Spadafori

Lisa Stevens-Goodnight

Jim and Susan Swartz

Douglas Taft

Karen Tewhey

The Katherine Goodman Foundation

The Tower Family Fund

Linda Thompson

Gail Trimble

Zoe Turcotte

David Vigneault

William Vrooman

John E Walsh

Dawn Warner

Wendy Weldon

Amy and Joanne Westburg

Lynn Williams

Ann Wilson

Paul Wright

Sophia Yuditskaya

Justin Zang

Business Donations

Cape and Islands United Way

Carly Look Design, LLC

Freedom House, Inc

Friends of the MV Concert Series

Grace Episcopal Church

Jenny Cooks Catering & Plant Based Parties

L'etoile Restaurant

Mansion House

Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation

Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital

MV Neighborhood Convention

Network for Good Soikkeli & Co

South Mountain Co. Foundation

St. Andrew's Church

The Benevity Impact Fund

The Cottagers, Inc.

The Federated Church

Trinity Episcopal Church

Up Island Regional School District of MV West Chop Community Fund

Volunteers 2022-2023

Victoria Barr

Jana Bertkau

Richard Bertkau

Jocelyn Brown

Naiomi Brown

Janet Constantino

Margaret Cray

Jill De La Hunt

Tom Engley

Benita Jane Griffin-Dobel

Jenaleigh Jane Griffin

John Honeycutt

Bonnie Jackson

Susan Kelly

Katrina Lima

Leigh Lord

Lisa Lucier

Claire Markell

Mary Ellen McElroy

Karen Meeks

Joan Merry

Ilona Metell

Mary-Jean Miner

Laura Noonan

Sean O’Sullivan

Janet Packer

Alexandra Pratt

Susan Pratt

Donna Rhoades

Cindy Starks

Sarah Sylvia

Christine Thompson-Colbert

Polly Toomey

In August 2022 Harbor Homes of Martha's Vineyard held the second annual Art Show fundraiser There was great energy and enthusiasm for this event and we were thrilled that we doubled our art sales this year. Tanya Augoustinos, owner of A Gallery, and Board member Marjorie Mason curated the show bringing together a unique combination of contemporary and Plein Aire works of art from local professional artists, creating a unique variety of artwork that isn’t available to see all in one place on the Island.

We’re very grateful to Spearpoint Oysters for donating oysters for our reception We have been very happy to find so many inspired supporters in the Island’s Art community and beyond who see this show as a wonderful way to express their deep caring and commitment to our most vulnerable unsheltered neighbors

Special Thanks to Our Community Partners and Collaborators

The Cottagers, Inc., a philanthropic, historical organization of African American women homeowners, have an ongoing “collaborative partnership” with Harbor Homes of MV that includes two Cottagers joining the Board of Directors in January 2022 for a three-year term. On completion of their term of service, two different Cottagers who have diverse skill sets, talents, and gifts will serve on the Board. This ongoing board commitment from The Cottager’s organization to support the mission of Harbor Homes has given us an “ expansive approach and a strategic vision of what can be achieved with good relationships and joint ventures with community organizations”. It serves as an excellent partnership model It’s mutually beneficial to work together The Cottagers have “adopted” the New York Ave house for women in Oak Bluffs The sisterhood provides funding, mentoring opportunities, gifts for the program participants and book donations The women residents have appreciated the support and encouragement

HarborHomesExecutiveDirectorSpeaksattheTabernacle

Albert Lantanzi/YMCA

Among the Flowers Cafe

Beacon of Hope Church

Bombay MV

Cakes by Liz/Liz Kane

Chicken Alley Thrift Store

Copper Anchor

David Joyce and Jo Maxwell

Dos Mas

Dukes County Health Coalition

Dukes County Housing Authority

Dukes County Public Benefits

Edgartown Pizza

Federated Church of MV

First Baptist Church of Vineyard Haven

First Congregational Church of West Tisbury

Good Shepherd Parish

Grace Church of MV

Grange Hall

Hebrew Center of Martha's Vineyard

Holly Lawyer

HUB Committee

Island Eats MV

Island Food Bank

Island Grown Initiative

Island Health Care

Island Wide Youth Initiative

Juice by the Sea

Little House Cafe

Little Rock Farm

Local Law Enforcement

Lucky Hank’s

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital

Offshore Ale

Rocco’s Pizza

Salvation Army-MV

Sharky’s Cantina

Slough Farm

Spearpoint Oysters

St Andrew's Episcopal Church

SUD Coalition

Sweet Bites

The Barn Bowl & Bistro

The Kitchen Porch

The Pawnee House

The Red House

TigerHawk/On Time Catering

United Methodist Church of MV

Vineyard Assembly of God

Vineyard Healthcare Access

Waterside Market