(November 25, 2024) In a small, tight-knit community like Nantucket, the challenge of housing for year-round workers is a constant topic of conversation. With the island’s unique housing landscape, securing stable, affordable housing can feel out of reach for many essential workers. That’s where Housing Nantucket’s Lease to Locals program comes in – a program that is not only transforming lives but also strengthening the bonds of this vibrant community.

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A Multi-Generational Connection to Nantucket

For Geoffrey Silva and his brother, David, Nantucket is more than just home – it’s where their family has built a legacy. As co-owners of the Galley Beach Restaurant, the Silvas have deep roots on the island and a firsthand understanding of the housing challenges faced by local workers. 

“We’ve seen the growth of the island, and we’ve struggled with housing ourselves for employees, friends, and family,” says Geoffrey.

To address this, the Silvas purchased a property to provide seasonal housing for their restaurant employees. The property includes a small cottage that, without the Lease to Locals program, would likely have remained vacant for much of the year. Through the program’s financial incentive, the Silvas rented the cottage year-round to essential workers, Matt and Latasha, while continuing to use the main house for seasonal employee housing.

Providing Stability for Essential Workers

While tenants Matt and Latasha are the primary beneficiaries of the housing provided through Lease to Locals, the entire island gains from their contributions to the community. Matt teaches 10th-grade history at Nantucket High School, while his fiancée Latasha works as a patient care technician in the Emergency Room at Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Originally from Cape Cod, the couple faced significant challenges navigating Nantucket’s competitive housing market. After temporarily staying in a short-term winter rental, they were relieved to find a more stable solution through the Lease to Locals program.

“Stable housing is life-changing,” says Matt. “This program helps us feel secure. It’s not just about having a roof over our heads – it’s about building a life here and feeling like part of the community. It’s a win-win for us because it also gives our landlord the support he needs to invest in the property.”

Latasha echoes the importance of stable housing, not just for themselves but for others in the community. 

“We’ve seen so many colleagues struggle with housing. Some live in their cars or bounce between short-term rentals. Others face restrictions because they have pets or families. It’s heartbreaking to watch people who contribute so much to the island feel like they have no place here. Programs like Lease to Locals give hope and stability, allowing people to stay, work, and thrive.”

Investing in Community, Property, and the Future

Geoffrey and David have made meaningful improvements to the property, including a kitchen renovation, bathroom updates, and additional storage space. They’re also exploring ways to improve the surrounding neighborhood. 

“It’s not just about providing housing – it’s about making it sustainable for the future,” Geoffrey explains.

These upgrades have created a home that allows Matt and Latasha to build their lives together, focus on their work, and get more involved with the community. Latasha describes the support from her team at the hospital and the broader community as “incredible.” Meanwhile, Matt teaches 10th grade history, leads the student council at the high school, organizes community events, and even coordinates educational trips abroad for his students.

A Call to Action for Landlords and the Community

The Lease to Locals program showcases the impact of public-private partnerships in tackling complex housing challenges. By offering financial and logistical support, the program enables landlords like the Silvas to provide year-round housing for critical workers—teachers, healthcare professionals, and other vital community members who keep Nantucket thriving.

“This program is a fantastic example of how we can come together to solve problems,” Geoffrey says. “It’s not just about landlords or tenants – it’s about building a stronger, more sustainable community.”

Join Us in Building a Better Nantucket

Lease to Locals has unlocked housing opportunities faster than any other initiative. As of November 1st, we’ve unlocked 27 new housing units and provided homes for 62 individuals. Thank you to the donors who have made this success possible! 

While we’ve secured most of the necessary funding—including generous contributions from the Affordable Housing Trust (taxpayer funds) and Remain—we need your support to raise the final $150,000. Together, we can achieve our goal of housing 100 people in the coming year.

Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to help island workers and their families, urgently in need of housing.

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