The problem of homelessness on Martha’s Vineyard is getting extra attention, and resources, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

An innovative approach to the problem of homelessness on Martha’s Vineyard moved a step closer to reality Wednesday with the purchase of a six-bedroom home.

The Vineyard’s once informal homelessness advocacy network made strides this week to establish greater permanence.

With a rare budget surplus, the state has secured $200,000 for the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to conduct a comprehensive housing and homeless prevention plan, Sen. Julian Cyr announced on a trip to the Vineyard Saturday.

A new initiative to establish group housing for homeless Islanders aims to get off the ground by next spring if funding can be secured.

The volunteer-powered Houses of Grace winter shelter system has opened for its third season. “If I didn’t have this, I’d be sleeping around a fire, bundled up,” said Derek MacLeod.

Hospitality Homes, a system of homeless shelters hosted and organized by Island churches, is nearing the end of its first year, with administrators, coordinators and volunteers declaring success.

Beginning in January, seven nights a week, three churches will provide shelter and meals to men, women and families who need a place to get in out of the cold.

Once again, the rural scholars program visited the Vineyard to study a pressing Island issue. This year's topic was homelessness and the housing shortage.