Announcements

Island Housing Trust Completes Ripples Hill Phase 3 Fundraising Goal and Strengthens the Opportunities Fund

Mount Desert Island, ME, January 13, 2026 — With a new year comes new beginnings, and Island Housing Trust (IHT) is proud to announce the successful completion of its $3.05 million fundraising goal for Phase 3 of the Ripples Hill neighborhood in Somesville. As a result, nine additional year-round families who live, work, and attend school on Mount Desert Island (MDI) will move into new homes in 2026.

This milestone reflects the collective commitment of seventy-nine individual donors, local businesses, foundations, grant funders, and the Town of Mount Desert, whose residents approved $470,000 to support sewer and road infrastructure for this project. Phase 3 expands the Ripples Hill neighborhood by adding nine homes to the existing nine, doubling its size and further strengthening year-round housing options on MDI.

“This achievement speaks volumes about the strength of community support and the ongoing need for year-round workforce housing,” said Executive Director Sherry Billings. “We are deeply grateful for the partnerships that not only helped us reach this goal, but will also stand alongside us as we develop long-term plans to expand our impact on MDI.”

IHT officially launched Ripples Hill Phase 3 in August 2025 with Connecting Communities, a celebration of collaboration and momentum in Mount Desert. The theme of connecting communities reflects not only the partnerships behind the project but also a tangible and lasting outcome. With Phase 3, Sydney’s Way will extend to meet Farnham’s Way, linking both sides of the neighborhood and transforming the existing homes into a more unified community. The connection has a significant impact: creating a cohesive, resilient, year-round neighborhood where families can truly put down roots.

To help reach the Phase 3 budget amid rising construction costs, an anonymous foundation issued a challenge grant, pledging to match $350,000 in new Phase 3 donations dollar-for-dollar. With strong community support and leadership from IHT’s Board of Directors, the organization successfully met the challenge, securing $700,000 toward the project and bringing the campaign within reach of its overall goal.

As the year came to a close, IHT was awarded a $400,000 grant from the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation. This extraordinary and generous grant secured the final funding needed to complete the Ripples Hill Phase 3 project. Following a site visit to Ripples Hill by Diana Davis Spencer and Abby Moffat earlier in the year, IHT was invited to submit a proposal titled Advancing Year-Round Housing: Ripples Hill Phase 3 and the Opportunities Fund.

The Diana Davis Spencer Foundation has long recognized the importance of year-round housing and previously supported IHT with a lead gift to the Coming Home Campaign, which included the Jones Marsh neighborhood in Bar Harbor. With each grant, the Foundation seeks to provide people with the tools to take charge of their own lives, a commitment that closely aligns with IHT’s mission to empower families through stable, year-round housing affordable to the island’s workforce.

Importantly, this grant not only completed the Ripples Hill Phase 3 fundraising goal but also strengthened IHT’s Opportunities Fund with a $200,000 investment.

The Opportunities Fund enables IHT to act quickly when homes or properties become available, reducing the risk of losing housing opportunities in MDI’s highly competitive real estate market. Unlike long-term planned developments such as Ripples Hill, these opportunities are often time-sensitive and unpredictable. The fund provides essential flexibility to create and preserve year-round housing when it matters most.

With multiple projects currently in pre-development, the Opportunities Fund is critical to advancing IHT’s mission strategically and efficiently. This fund will be continually replenished, ensuring IHT is prepared to respond as new opportunities arise.

Island Housing Trust is deeply grateful to the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, residents of the Town of Mount Desert, IHT Board of Directors, the Spahr Family, and the many individuals, businesses, and foundations whose support made this milestone possible. Together, these partnerships are strengthening MDI’s year-round communities and making room for those we rely on day after day.

Island Housing Trust Names Sherry Billings as New Executive Director

Bar Harbor, ME – Island Housing Trust (IHT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sherry Billings as its next Executive Director, effective late September. Billings brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and community development, along with a deep understanding of the housing crisis facing our region.

Most recently, Billings served as Executive Director of Hancock County Habitat for Humanity, where she oversaw construction and repair projects across the region and successfully quadrupled volunteer engagement within a single year. She also launched and expanded Aging in Place initiatives, raising over $70,000 in 2024 alone to help older adults remain safely and comfortably in their homes.

Earlier in her career, Billings spent 16 years as Deputy Director of Caring Unlimited, a domestic violence resource center based in York County. There, she led program development, strengthened community partnerships, and helped shape statewide housing and safety policies. Known for her strategic vision and collaborative leadership, she is deeply committed to housing equity and sustainable communities.

“As a lifelong Mainer and passionate advocate for rural and island communities, I’m honored to join Island Housing Trust at this pivotal time,” said Billings. “IHT’s work is about making room for those we rely on such as teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, and others who sustain our year-round island life. I’m excited to build on this strong momentum and deepen IHT’s impact across Mount Desert Island.”

A Hancock County native, Billings brings both personal insight and professional experience to the unique challenges and opportunities facing year-round island communities. She currently serves as Acting Treasurer of Habitat for Humanity of Maine and has held board roles with Community Housing of Maine and other civic organizations.

Joanne Harris, Chair of Search Committee, said, “Sherry is a dynamic and thoughtful leader with deep roots in the region and a powerful track record of impact. We are thrilled to welcome her to Island Housing Trust and confident she will continue to strengthen our mission of providing year-round housing for those essential to the sustainability of our island.”

With this leadership transition, Island Housing Trust also extends its heartfelt gratitude to Marla O’Byrne, who is retiring after serving as Executive Director since 2018. Marla’s steady guidance, passion for MDI’s year-round communities, and deep knowledge of workforce housing were instrumental during a period of exciting growth for the organization.

“We wish Marla a joyful and well-earned retirement,” said Harris. “With community always at the forefront, she guided us through several transformative projects. We are so grateful for her leadership.”

To schedule an interview or more information, please contact Island Housing Trust at (207) 244-8011 or info@islandhousingtrust.org.

Submitted by Jennifer Calderone, Director of Advancement

Town of Mount Desert Approves $470,000 to Support Year-Round Housing at Ripples Hill Neighborhood

May 8, 2025

Mount Desert Island, Maine – At its Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, the Town of Mount Desert voted unanimously to approve a warrant article authorizing up to $470,000 in general obligation bonds to fund the extension of Sydneys Way and Farnhams Way, along with the public sewer system, in the Ripples Hill neighborhood.

This investment will directly support the pressing need for year-round housing on MDI. It not only provides much-needed housing for Mount Desert Island’s workforce but also strengthens the overall economic and social well-being of the Town of Mount Desert and the island.

“We are so grateful to the Town and its residents for supporting our mission,” said Natalie Osborne, Programs Director at Island Housing Trust. “This unanimous vote reflects a shared commitment to sustaining year-round communities on MDI. With this support, we can expand the Ripples Hill neighborhood and bring nine more year-round homes to the workforce and families who want to call MDI home. ”

Island Housing Trust’s mission is to promote viable, year-round island communities by advancing permanent workforce housing on Mount Desert Island. Since 2003, IHT has partnered with individuals, organizations, and all four MDI towns to develop permanent, year-round housing for those who want live, work, and go to school on MDI.

The Ripples Hill neighborhood is a cornerstone of this mission. Initiated in 2006 on land donated by the Town of Mount Desert off Beech Hill Road, Phases 1 and 2 created nine energy-efficient homes for year-round residents working on the island. Phase 3 will add nine more homes, doubling the neighborhood’s impact and completing a vibrant, inclusive community rooted in opportunity and place. The final phase is projected to cost $2.4 million.

“The unity and clarity of this vote speaks volumes,” said Marla O’Byrne, Executive Director of Island Housing Trust. “It shows how deeply this community values real, lasting solutions to our island’s housing challenges. We’re proud to continue this work alongside the Town of Mount Desert and are energized by this generous support.”

Island Housing Trust extends its deep thanks to Town Manager Durlin Lunt, Public Works Director Brian Henkel, Finance Director Mae Wyler, the Select Board, the Warrant Committee, and the residents of Mount Desert. Their leadership and vision demonstrate what is possible when a community comes together to ensure that those who want to live, work, and learn on MDI can continue to call it home.

Island Housing Trust Announces Leadership Transition and Search

February 28, 2025

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND, ME – Island Housing Trust (IHT) announces an upcoming leadership transition as Executive Director Marla O’Byrne prepares to retire this fall after years of dedicated service. Under Marla’s leadership, IHT has made significant strides in creating and sustaining year-round housing opportunities for MDI’s workforce and families.

“Marla’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in advancing our mission,” said Deedie Bouscaren, board president. “Her leadership has not only shaped the development of neighborhoods like Jones Marsh and Ripples Hill but has also fostered strong partnerships with landowners, donors, and community partners to secure many year-round homes for MDI’s community. Her impact will be felt for years to come as  IHT continues on an upward trajectory.”

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with wonderfully talented and committed members of the Mount Desert Island community to address one of the island’s greatest challenges, keeping a strong year-round community,” said retiring executive director Marla O’Byrne. “The progress we’ve made together in expanding year-round housing opportunities has been deeply inspiring and the work is truly life changing for our neighbors and our community! I am confident that IHT’s next leader will continue to build on this foundation, and I hope enjoys the possibilities as much as I have.”

IHT has launched a search committee led by board member Joanne Harris to identify the organization’s next executive director. The committee is actively searching for a leader who will build on the momentum that IHT has created,

“IHT has  a strong team of engaged board members, experienced staff, and a committed community of supporters. The organization is well-positioned to continue its work without interruption and to grow,” said Joanne Harris. “Our search committee is dedicated to finding a leader who will build on IHT’s successes and help meet the critical housing needs of Mount Desert Island.”