Harbor Homes opened its annual winter shelter this month and already a dozen people, several of whom are first time visitors, have checked in for at least one overnight stay.

Harbor Homes announced the purchase agreement last summer, but its wastewater application was denied by the town, according to the nonprofit.

Brian Morris, a trained recovery coach and the former access coordinator at Island Health Care, will lead the Island's homelessness prevention nonprofit.

A public outcry in support of the Island’s homeless community followed the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s decision to clear three homeless encampments in the state forest last week.

State contractors entered the state forest this week and cleared three homeless encampments, razing tents and leaving several Islanders without their possessions.

The Vineyard’s only homelessness prevention nonprofit is under agreement to buy 112 Dukes County avenue, where — if local and regional authorities approve — it plans to build a permanent winter shelter for up to 25 guests.

The Island homelessness relief group Harbor Homes has begun a new summer outreach program that aims to offer food, medicine, counseling services and more to the Island’s high seasonal homeless population.