Island Workforce Housing Announces 2024 Availability - June 14, 2024

Island Workforce Housing (IWH) announced the availability of up to three apartments to eligible members of the Deer Isle-Stonington workforce later this summer, as the occupants will be taking new jobs off-island. These rental homes are intended to serve as a stepping-stone onto the island for workers and their families who hope to settle permanently in Deer Isle or Stonington and become integral members of our island community.

Eligible households will include those with at least one member who is permanently employed year-round on the island, or who has recently accepted a year-round job with an island employer, and whose household income is at least 70% of the median income in Hancock County but does not exceed 120% – or a range of $43,313 to $105,975, depending on the size of the household. All apartments include two bedrooms and one bath and are available to otherwise eligible households with up to four members. More information and rental applications can be found on the organization’s website.

Apartments will be allocated through a lottery process after a preliminary screening of applications for employment, income eligibility, and household size. To be included in the lottery for the unit available on August 1, applications must be received by July 10 at 3:00 pm. Completed applications may be mailed to Island Workforce Housing at PO Box 523, Deer Isle, ME 04627 or, scanned and emailed.

Eligible applicants not selected for the first apartment available will be entered onto a waiting list for future apartment availability. Current tenants are required to provide 60 days notice of their intent to renew and lease terms are staggered through the fall. Future lotteries will be held as IWH learns of upcoming vacancies.

The ten apartments at Oliver’s Ridge are located at 341 Sunset Crossroad in the town of Deer Isle and were completed just over a year ago. The property was purchased in collaboration with Island Heritage Trust and is adjacent to Oliver’s Pond and conservation land. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of island residents and foundation grants, a capital campaign raised enough funds to ensure the property can be sustained on its rental income alone.

A 501c3 non-profit organization, Island Workforce Housing was founded to address the increasing shortage of housing for young people and families who wish to be part of the island community at a time when year-round housing stock is shrinking. IWH’s mission is to create permanent housing solutions that are affordable to individuals and families working in these communities and believes that housing valued community members is a critical first step in securing the longevity of the economic development, civic health, and well-being of the island.

With the construction of rental housing, the organization is filling the gap created by the loss of year-round houses and apartments due to the boom in short-term vacation rentals with the advent of online services – and will be able to assist many more individuals and families over the years. This summer, IWH will prioritize new teachers coming to work in the DIS schools this fall. Other tenants at Oliver’s Ridge include fishermen, restaurant workers, a carpenter, and school employees. With the goal of keeping rents to 30-35% of the household's income, tenants will be able to save toward a down payment on a house if they decide to make the island their permanent home.

The organization looks forward to constructing additional housing in a second phase to be located in Stonington, ideally within walking distance of Main Street. IWH has formally requested a collaborative partnership with the Town of Stonington to develop workforce housing on town-owned property.

For more information about Island Workforce Housing, to discuss donating or selling island real estate, or to download a housing application, visit www.islandworkforcehousing.org or email director@islandworkforcehousing.org.

Application materials are available to be picked up at 44 North Coffee locations or downloaded from the IWH website at www.islandworkforcehousing.org/applications

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