MV Network on Homeless Prevention

The Martha’s Vineyard Network on Homeless Prevention is a coalition of Island Clergy, the County Manager, Edgartown Council on Aging, Island Housing Trust, Dukes County Regional Housing Authority, Martha's Vineyard Commission, Martha's Vineyard Hospital, Catholic Social Services, the Warming Center, Houses of Grace, housing advocates, local businesses and volunteers.  The Network has been meeting monthly since 2016 and is engaged in a number of homeless prevention initiatives.

The mission of the MV Network for Homeless Prevention is to ensure that all residents of Martha's Vineyard have safe, sanitary and secure housing.  The Network is a vehicle for disseminating information about programs, interventions and services that target individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  Members work collaboratively to share resources, develop new initiatives, establish program policies, fund raise, and increase awareness about the impact of the homeless crisis on the Island and its residents.

The Network is chaired by the Associate Commissioner for Homeless Prevention who also represents the Vineyard at the Cape and Islands Regional Network on Homelessness.  The Cape and Islands Regional Network is charged with the development of a regional plan that outlines a system of homeless prevention services.  The Cape Regional Network also oversees the annual grant submissions for HUD funding.

The MV Network on Homeless Prevention has one subcommittee, the Harbor Homes Steering Committee that is devoted to the design, funding, marketing and establishment of Harbor Homes of Martha's Vineyard.  Harbor Homes will be permanent, supportive congregate housing for adults that also has a life skills component. Once incorporated as an educational facility, Harbor Homes MV, Inc. will be a separate nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.                                                                                                                       

11/18