Last weekend, seven families moved into their new homes on Eliakims Way at 250 State Road in West Tisbury. The eighth home, built by Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard, is scheduled to be completed within the next couple of weeks.

This marks two and a half years since the Island Housing Trust and the Land Bank’s joint purchase of over 26 acres of forestland, resulting in 85 per cent of the property being protected in its natural state and a neighborhood of eight affordable homes being created within less than a four-acre building envelope.

The trust is still working to complete the private fund-raising goal. To make a tax-deductible contribution specifically for these affordable green homes, call the Island Affordable Housing Fund at 508-696-0943.