Emergency Shelter Programs

There continues to be a dire shortage of rental housing on Martha's Vineyard resulting in an increasing number of residents either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The most vulnerable population is the chronically homeless, individuals who have meager incomes, disabilities and no recent rental history. Dukes County partners with Harbor Homes MV, Inc. a non profit organization to provide homelessness prevention coordination for island residents. This is possible thanks to the funding from the island towns, grants and donations from local charitable organizations, businesses and individuals.

Harbor Homes offers programs to low-income homeless residents.

Please read more at www.harborhomesmv.com

Contact for Harbor Homes

Tel. 978-273-0533 or 774-563-3687

E-mail: harborhomesmv@gmail.com

Winter Shelter at Whaling Church in Edgartown

The program serves anyone in need of a warm place to stay, including those without housing, those who have temporarily lost their housing, and those temporarily without heat or power. The guests are provided with a safe place to stay, dinner, bedding, breakfast and community. All staff has been trained in COVID-19 safety procedures to keep the guest and the staff safe during the pandemic.

The facility also offers visitors to arrange for a midday meal and snacks, shower and access to laundry facilities. The staff supervises activities and collaborate with other community entities to link guests up to appropriate resource and referral services. A local visiting nurse can be also available onsite for consultation and direct service to guests who have health related questions.

There is no year-round homeless shelter on Martha's Vineyard.

Emergency Shelter Program in local hotels

Emergency shelter program is designed to provide short term housing for homeless individuals and families in local motels/hotels, primarily during the winter months. This program requires homeless residents to comply with certain expectations including no alcohol or drugs on premises and no guests in rooms. The program prioritizes individuals who have health conditions or disabilities, victims of domestic violence and families with children. Guests stay in single rooms and may, in some instances, have access to a kitchenette.

This emergency shelter program also provides a critical safety net for residents who have deep roots in the community, suddenly lose their rental housing, and are unable to find housing. The program has been successful in ensuring that homeless Island residents had shelter during the cold weather. The hotels participating in the program have formed a close collaborative relationship with the homeless coordinator and have agreed upon a set of appropriate guest behavioral standards. The program is designed to provide temporary shelter so that residents have the time, support and opportunity to make a plan for more permanent housing.

Transitional Housing Assistance Program

Homelessness Prevention Case Management

                                                                                                            Updated 1/22