Thursday's Minute: 6.27.24: A glimpse into the Island’s increasing homeless population

The Island’s hidden homeless

The Island is known as a vibrant summer colony chock-full of the rich and the famous, waterfront vistas, and perfectly manicured lawns set before shingle-style houses, but for some, that is not the reality. On an Island with an increasing population and a finite amount of space, and amidst an unrelenting housing crisis, some vulnerable residents have fallen through the cracks, and are forced to live in places like the State Forest. A seemingly invisible problem, there is an Island population that is homeless, and Island officials say the number of unhoused individuals is increasing. This past winter, Harbor Homes, which runs the Island’s only winter shelter, saw 32 new individuals and a record 54 unique guests. Tisbury Police officers know of around 20 unhoused Islanders in Vineyard Haven alone, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation have seen an increase in unhoused individuals across the state. Through conversations with one man experiencing homelessness, Island officials, and public records, The Times pieced together his story and shed light on an unseen and troubling part of the housing crisis. Read more here.

Support housing legislation
In The Times’ latest editorial, we encourage Vineyarders not to give up the fight for state lawmakers to pass a mechanism that would allow towns to collect revenue on high-end real estate transactions. Senate democrats released a housing package this week that did not include the so-called local option transfer fee, although already some Senators — including Island representative Julian Cyr — are calling for an amendment that would return the transfer fee to the bill. The Island’s struggles with housing are real, and as reported in today’s Minute, it leaves some of our most vulnerable with nowhere to go. Read more here.

Custom Build with a Pool, Edgartown

Sponsored

Newly built, custom home located in Katama, just a short walk to Edgartown and a quick bike ride to South Beach. A new owner will appreciate the thought and attention to detail that has been incorporated into this home, which was designed and built by an experienced building company, Speedwagon Partners. Featuring a combination of contemporary design and expertly crafted details, like bespoke cabinetry, porcelain and quartz surfaces, and white oak flooring, the home instantly feels very luxurious and elegant. There are a total of four bedrooms and four full baths, plus two half-baths and two laundry rooms. The living spaces are open to each other, yet also defined, with an abundance of natural light, thanks to oversized windows and high ceilings. The living room fireplace, Wolf and Thermador kitchen appliances, and a 10-foot quartz island are just some of the features that make this property stand out. A finished lower-level completes the home, and the property is well-landscaped, focusing on a gunite pool and a hot tub with tasteful stonework, plus a gas fire pit and decking.

Quote of the Day
"I was never aware of a homeless population growing up on the Island. I saw the Island’s façade or makeup to project a certain image."
—Sgt. Max Sherman of Tisbury’s Police Department reflects on the homeless population on Island

Hot Topic Comment
"Osprey nests are pretty much stationary. Were there any osprey in the nest? are they ok?"
—Don Keller responds with concern for the Osprey nest responsible for the Oak Bluffs power outage on Wednesday night

Hot Topic Letter
"The division of the Office of the State Treasurer is proud to support all our state’s veterans, especially our LGBTQ veterans, during Pride Month."
—Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Veterans' Bonus Program Manager Steve Croteau writes to us to highlight the importance of recognizing LGBTQ veterans this 4th of July

The Barn Open daily for lunch, dinner & bowling. Text Barnmv to 508/696/9800 to receive deals & specials.

The Sweet Life Open year-round! Serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday at 5 pm, with live music on Thursdays.
@sweet_life_mv 508/696/0200
sweetlifemv.com

Coop de Ville Open for the season and celebrating our 40th year! Get excited! Largest beer selection in Oak Bluffs and best wings on the rock. See you soon! 12 Circuit Ave Ext. Oak Bluffs, on the harbor. coopdevilleshuckshack.com
508/693/3420

The Dunes at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort Enjoy al fresco dining on the deck overlooking South Beach. Free and easy parking. Large parties welcomed. Water taxi starting June 22 from downtown Edgartown. RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED AT 508/627/3663

Farm Neck Cafe Gather with friends to watch a game in our spacious bar, or dine on the terrace overlooking our gardens and awardwinning golf course. Serving lunch 11am to 3pm, pub fare 3pm to 5pm, and dinner Thursday through Sunday 5pm to 9pm. located off County Road, Oak Bluffs 508/693/3560

Click here for more details and specials

Restaurant owners: Are you open? Let our readers know, and support local journalism while doing so!

Contact jenna@mvtimes.com to discuss promoting your dining specials with the MV Times.

Here's a recipe for thinking outside the salad bowl: Summer Squash Noodles, by Chef Robin Forte for Island Grown Schools. Whether prepared raw or cooked, you can mix in other shredded or finely chopped veggies, or serve the dish as an alternative to pasta. If you make thin strips using zucchini, you can call them "zoodles."

Do you have a recipe to share with the community? Send it along with a photo of the dish and a brief backstory to recipes@mvtimes.com.

Click here to browse more recipes from the Island community.

Filmusic Festival
The upcoming 10th Filmusic Festival will be in full swing at the M.V. Film Center, celebrating the convergence of music, culture, and film. The celebration will be kicked off on Thursday, June 27, with live music, followed by a film that pays tribute to the life and music of Bob Marley, an artist who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. The festival will continue until Sunday evening, with films recognizing musicians like Led Zeppelin, Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, and Valerie Simpson, highlighting the impact of music on film. Read more about the festival here.

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