Originally from Montego Bay Jamaica, Venessa settled in New York when she arrived in the United States. In 1999, she visited Nantucket for the first time. The following year she worked as a front desk supervisor at the White Elephant. After some time away, she returned to Nantucket in 2004. Her late husband had relatives on the island and they wanted to raise their son in a safer environment.

For several years, Vanessa worked as a receptionist, first in a chiropractor’s office, and then later in a dentist’s office. During this time, she cleaned houses as another source of income.  As their family grew, their housing needs changed. They were faced with the same challenges that are all too common on Nantucket. At one point, all three of them lived in a one-bedroom apartment. They eventually moved to a larger space but the rent was exorbitant.

When her second son was born, she took time off of work to care for him full time. Eventually, she returned to office work, managed a store in town, and continued to clean houses. Their next move brought them to a more affordable place, but the landlord sold the house and they had to move again. Venessa submitted an application for Housing Nantucket’s Ready to Rent list, but she knew she’d have to wait for a vacancy. While faced with housing instability, Venessa had to overcome another challenge. In 2009, her husband suffered a stroke and in 2010, she determined that he needed long term care. He was transported to an assisted living facility on the mainland and lived there for many years. 

In addition to working, balancing her husband’s needs, and caring for her children, Venessa returned to school to become a CNA. As a child she dreamed of becoming a nurse but studied education instead. Looking back now, she wishes she had pursued a career in the medical field at a younger age.

“I’m a caregiver, I just love taking care of people and putting a smile on their faces. With the right care and attention, I help my patients feel good about themselves, and I help them live a little longer,” said Venessa. 

A few years later, and with little notice, her landlord informed her that he was selling the house. Venessa looked all summer for a place to live, to no avail. She checked in frequently with Housing Nantucket’s staff.  As the calendar turned to September, she was at her wit’s end trying to secure housing. They had until October 1st to move, and time was running out.  Venessa feared there was only one option left. They would have to leave the island which they loved, and all of their belongings behind.

On September 29th, days before their scheduled departure, she learned that there was a vacancy for her in one of Housing Nantucket’s affordable rental units.  “You have no idea how much this rental means to me, without help from Housing Nantucket, and many others along the way, I would not still be here”.