Island Elderly Housing provides housing to low-income elders and the disabled.
Since 1977, with the help of federal and state funding, Island Elderly Housing, Inc., a 501(c)(3), has been quietly offering affordable rental housing on Martha’s Vineyard. Today, over 165 Vineyard residents call IEH their home.
The founders of Island Elderly Housing (IEH) were dedicated to fulfilling the need for affordable rental housing for the Island’s elderly and disabled – and they did it very well!
IEH continues to be committed to providing quality, affordable housing, and related Quality of Life services for independent living for the elderly and disabled on Martha’s Vineyard. Our apartments are an important resource to the Island community – over 95% of our residents have family or relatives on the Island.
Vineyard residents can continue to enjoy living on-Island while remaining an active and integral part of the lives of their family, friends, and the Vineyard community without having to struggle with the burdens of owning their own home.
Who Makes Up Island Elderly Housing?
Our 170 residents have come from all walks of life. They have worked across many different professions including the arts, government, health, marine, business, the service industry, building and construction, social and human services, schools, medical, academic, fishing, and many others.
Some were born and grew up on this Island. Others are “washashores”. And still others have moved here to be near their children and grandchildren.
How is Island Elderly Housing Funded?
IEH receives funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA). This funding is for housing only and is what makes it possible for us to offer apartments at such reasonable rates.
The annual income limit for a single individual to qualify to live at our HUD properties is $43,050 and $49,200 for a couple. Since the federal government subsidizes the rent for our residents, residents pay 30% of their income for rent, the federal government pays the remaining rent.
IEH complies with all HUD and USDA regulations that support fair housing, non-discrimination, and access.
Does Island Elderly Housing Accept Donations?
Yes. IEH was incorporated as a private, non-profit corporation in 1976. Our mission has always been to provide affordable rental housing and related services for very low-income persons. While we receive rental assistance from the federal government, it’s for housing only, and our related services have expanded.
Our residents have “aged in place” and Quality of Life services have become more urgent, this is where private funding has been required. The supportive services we offer, such as transportation via the Blueberry Van and community meals, depend on the generosity of our supporters both on and off-Island. You can find out more about making a donation here.