As a girl, Marie looked forward to her family’s visits to Nantucket, where they would stay with friends for a few days each summer. During one of these family visits after Marie had graduated college, she instinctively knew she didn’t want to leave. Right away, she put the wheels in motion to make her dream happen.

Marie applied for a job at Small Friends early education and child care center on island, and was soon offered the position. Knowing how difficult it would be to find housing, she rented a room she found in the classifieds, sight-unseen. The family who owned the home lived there themselves and rented extra bedrooms. The co-housing situation was a good fit for Marie, and she lived there for several years. But as she got older and longed to start a family of her own, Marie needed more privacy and space. For months she spread word within her networks that she was looking, and scoured the paper and online. But anything available was out of her price range.

Beth Ann Meehan, a mortgage loan officer and local affordable housing advocate, was one of the people Marie had asked for ideas. Beth Ann encouraged Marie to participate in various community housing programs on-island. And so Marie applied for one of Housing Nantucket’s affordable rental apartments, and was selected by lottery.

“I felt so fortunate to have been picked,” said Marie. “But it was bittersweet. I saw my co-workers struggling, playing a balancing act to try to make it all work. These were good people, too. You shouldn’t have to be ‘the lucky winner’ to get your basic needs met.”

“Working Nantucket parents need to be able to leave their children in good hands,” says Marie. “Child-care providers and teachers play an important role in the community, but we don’t earn enough to afford market rents. That’s why Housing Nantucket’s programs are so important. They create positive ripple effects within the community. ”

Once she secured stable housing, Marie worked on achieving some of her other goals. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother, and as a single parent, set her sights on owning a home of her own. She attended Housing Nantucket’s First Time Home Buyer Education Class, with her young son in tow. She adhered to a strict household budget and saved for a down-payment. She walked the walk.

When the lottery for Phase II of the Sachem’s Path homeownership development was announced, Marie was ready to apply. A few months later, on winter solstice, Marie received an email announcing the winning numbers. A friend read the numbers aloud while Marie checked them against hers. The numbers had to be read three times before the good news sunk in—Marie was going to own a home.

“Housing Nantucket has played such an important role in my family’s success. It feels good to know that another family will be given this affordable rental opportunity after we move on. Housing Nantucket allowed us to put down roots, and laid the groundwork for our future. We are so grateful.”

Housing Nantucket’s rental homes meet an important aspect of the island’s diverse housing needs. Your support and contributions enable us to serve more Nantucket people. Thank you!