Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard joined forces with partner Island Housing Trust to present the second annual Raising the Roof, a benefit concert for affordable housing, on Thursday evening, July 26. The Flatbread Company generously donated the venue for the concert which featured the Daytrippers, the Vineyard’s home-grown Beatles cover band.

Habitat president Doug Ruskin and housing trust president Richard Leonard opened the evening with information about the documented need for home-ownership opportunities for families working in the service industry on Martha’s Vineyard. They spoke of the affordability gap created by the Island’s higher mortgages and rents versus the Vineyard’s lower incomes, compared to the state average. Mr. Leonard stated that we are in the business of people preservation, while Mr. Ruskin said maintaining a stable community of working families will serve to benefit us all. They ended on a positive note by announcing that over 50 permanently affordable homes were established in the last 10 years, which Habitat and the housing trust intend to double in the next four to five years.

At that point the Daytrippers took the stage and rocked the house for two hours straight. All who attended were treated to a trip down memory lane from this very talented local band. Habitat and the housing trust wish to thank their underwriters for providing the perfect vibe, and all who chose to share their evening and invest their money in support of these programs.

Neal Sullivan

Vineyard Haven