New Executive Director at Island Workforce Housing
Island Workforce Housing announced that Pam Dewell of Deer Isle has been appointed Executive Director of Island Workforce Housing (IWH). The island-based non-profit has the mission of creating housing solutions in Deer Isle and Stonington that are permanently affordable to individuals and families working in these communities. “Pam's strong experience is well-aligned with the needs of the organization. The organization is able to build on a solid start of new processes and systems thanks to first Executive Director Genevieve McDonald, and we're thrilled to now have Pam at the helm to build on and continue that growth and progress,” reflects Sue Buxton, Chair of the Board of Directors.
Dewell, recently Interim Executive Director at the Stonington Opera House and before that Major Gifts Officer at Maine Maritime Academy, has lived on the island since 2017. She also points to 14 years of conserving working ranches in Wyoming as an important foundation for the work that she will undertake in the development of housing for the island’s workforce. “The ability to pass along housing that is within the reach of young families and individuals who can provide skilled trades, education, healthcare, and other needed services has become one of the most important things we can do to ensure the quality of life here on our island,” she said. “Every business on the island is scrambling to find workers yet willing employees are unable to find housing that is within their means.”
IWH completed its first project last year – ten rental units in Deer Isle. With funding provided entirely by private grants and contributions, the 2-bedroom apartments are available to island workers with salaries ranging from 70% to 120% of Hancock County’s Area Mean Income, which for 2024 equates to $43,300 for a single-person household to $105,960 for a family of four. The organization hopes to complete its next project in Stonington, preferably within walking distance of town.
“The IWH Board of Directors brings together an impressive group of professionals with hands-on experience in affordable housing development, architecture, land surveying, conservation, business, and community building with success stemming from a shared focus on this key issue for our community. The Oliver's Ridge project, which came together in just three short years despite its kick off at the start of the pandemic, is a tremendous resource for the island and I'm excited to help get a second project off the ground. Our island needs all hands on deck to address the issue of housing and I look forward to working with both Towns, other NGOs, and organizations around the state as we develop ways to provide the full array of the housing we need to sustain our workforce and support our community,” said Dewell.
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