About Home Start

Home Start was derived from a public planning process undertaken by permanent and seasonal residents of the island in early 2002 to deal with some of the issues that were raised in a survey of community needs developed and administered by an ad hoc group of citizens in collaboration with the Peaks Island Neighborhood Association (PINA), Peaks Island Land Preserve (PILP) the Island Liaison in the Portland City Manager’s office, the Portland Planning Department and an Island Institute Fellow.

The combined group sent out 2000 surveys to a mix of year-round and summer residents and received over 25% feedback. After the response to the survey was tallied the group lead a workshop meeting, in which 150 people attended to discuss survey data and to identify areas of urgent community concern. The group found 13 items each mandating a subcommittee of 3 to 10 individuals to research, compile and recommend actions to the City of Portland. Among the top prioritized issues, the report stressed a study of demographic shifts and the growing need for affordable housing.

The Affordable Housing Subcommittee grew into a working board, incorporating its efforts as Homestart. Homestart's original goals were to examine and implement strategies to reverse the upward trend in housing prices and create lower cost solutions for families on Peaks Island and people wishing to join the Peaks Island year round community.  Discussions at the board and community level, not only identified seasonality and gentrification as a pressing issue, but also recognized potential tension between the need for housing and preservation of open space. It was understood and agreed that the ideal island demographic is a broad socio-economic mix to maintain a healthy balance of residents and seasonal visitors.

From 2003 to 2006 Home Start spent three years analyzing and strategizing the above issues to set forth with a plan that would deliver the greatest gain (number of year-round affordable housing options) with the least resistance from affected neighborhoods.

In April 2006 members of the group attended the Island Affordable Housing Symposium to better understand the Community Land Trust (CLT) model, how to acquire grants and government loans, and to fully understand roadblock issues like NIMBY (Not in my back yard).

In June 2007, Home Start was able to purchase its first house on 18 Luther St. The group came together with several volunteers and renovated this small neglected home transitioning it into a charming year round rental. This rental was then available at below market rate and offered to a qualified island resident for lifetime use, with the commitment that the rent will never increase and the property will always be maintained.

In September 2007, the Island Institute, who’s mission is to serve as a voice for the balanced future of the islands and waters of the Gulf of Maine, recognized that the lack of affordable housing was one of the critical issues facing the 14 year round island and coastal communities. The Island Institute granted Homestart an island fellow, Brooke Brewer for the 2007-2008 year. Brooke’s fellowship was to focus on affordable housing and economic development issues as well as stewardship initiatives affecting all of the Casco Bay islands. Brooke was to directly work with Peaks Island Homestart, Cliff Island Corporation for Athletics, Conservation and Education (ACE); Peaks Island Land Preserve; the Fifth Maine Regiment Historical Society; and the Casco Bay Islands Development Association.

In October 2007, Home Start signed year lease with an option to buy 16 Elizabeth Street on the village side of the island. The house was then subleased to a young family, who worked on the island and was looking to own their own home and establish their roots here. In fall of 2008 and Home Start will work with the family to decide whether they will purchase the house using the CLT model.