Daniela and Boyko came to Nantucket after they won the green card lottery, which enabled them to immigrate to America from Bulgaria and work legally. Daniela’s brother, who had lived on Nantucket for eight years and worked at the cottage hospital’s emergency reception, insisted they join him on-island. He was honest with them—the change wouldn’t be easy. But Daniela and Boyko were up for the challenge, and were excited by the opportunity to give their children a brighter future.

According to the census, Nantucket’s foreign-born residents make up about 17% of the year-round population, which is larger than the state as a whole. These residents make up a critical component of our island workforce, employed in the hospitality, food service, and construction trades. Daniela and Boyko’s story is similar to many others who come to the island eager to work, yet have extreme difficulty finding adequate accommodation for themselves and their families.

When they first arrived on island, Daniela and her family moved into the home her brother was renting with his friends, who were J1 students. The family shared a bedroom, taking turns sleeping on an air mattress. Daniela, who had a Master’s Degree in Finance, went to work as a house cleaner. Boyko, who previously owned a restaurant in Sofia, was hired as a carpenter. The children were enrolled in Nantucket’s public schools.

Daniela and her family settled in, but shortly thereafter, her brother was informed the landlord was selling the house. They needed to relocate. A friend of a friend offered the group space in their house, but it was only for a month. Seven people moved together to this house, then three more students moved in. Daniela networked through friends and sought help from a real estate broker. But it was spring, and any availability they found was too expensive.

“This was when the horrors really started,” said Daniela. “It looked like we’d be on the streets! On the last day of the month, we found another temporary situation. When we had to leave there, we moved to an unfinished basement. Seven of us shared three rooms, and our family’s portion of the rent was $2,500 per month. It was super dirty, wet, and dark with no windows. There were insects everywhere. Our friends had to help us install a kitchen and bathroom, which we did in one day.”

Overcrowded and substandard housing conditions like these are not uncommon for Nantucket’s low-wage earners, who often must share housing in an effort to make ends meet.

Daniela’s co-worker, who was a Housing Nantucket tenant, suggested Daniela complete an application for one of Housing Nantucket’s Affordable Rental units. Daniela met the income requirements and submitted her application. After two years, Daniela got the call she’d been waiting for.

“When Housing Nantucket called with the good news, I felt like I was having a heart attack,” said Daniela. “I couldn’t believe it was real! The process was quick and well organized. We were over the moon, especially the kids. After a year and a half in the basement, my son was really looking forward to living in a house with windows and natural light. These simple things make us so happy and grateful.”

Fast forward four years later. An affordable rent allowed the family to save money for a down-payment. Daniela graduated from our First Time Homebuyer class. So when the opportunity to purchase a home in Sandpiper Place became available, they were ready. Now, the rental home formerly occupied by Daniela and Boyko provides housing for another island family. We call that a win for the entire community. Thank you for your support!

Housing Nantucket’s programs help families leave unsafe housing situations. We are inspired by those we serve, and we need your help to broaden our reach.