The Latest from Island Housing Trust

Updates on Homes, Projects, and People

From the New Executive Director: Reflections and Gratitude

As I wrap up my first months with Island Housing Trust, I’ve been inspired by the warmth and generosity of this community. Visiting residents, speaking with supporters, and seeing the impact of our work firsthand has reinforced how essential secure, year-round housing is to Mount Desert Island.

Ripples Hill Phase 3 continues to be a central focus, with nine families soon moving into new homes—a milestone made possible by the dedication of our staff, board, partners, and supporters.

I am grateful for your confidence and look forward to learning from you, building on our mission, and shaping the next chapter of IHT together.

Ripples Hill Phase 3 Fully Funded!

Island Housing Trust launched Phase 3 of the Ripples Hill neighborhood this past summer.

Phase 3 will add 9 new homes to Ripples Hill, expanding year-round housing opportunities for the essential workers, families, and community members who sustain Mount Desert Island.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, we are thrilled to share that we not only met a $350,000 matching grant from an anonymous foundation, but also reached our overall goal of $3.05 million to complete this neighborhood.

We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, and the Town of Mount Desert for supporting this effort.

End of year Giving

As the year comes to a close, your support ensures IHT can continue providing year-round housing and strengthening MDI communities. Every gift makes a difference, and giving before December 31 may also offer tax benefits.

You can give in several convenient ways:

• Online: Make a one-time gift.

• By Mail: Send a check to PO Box 851, Mount Desert, ME 04660.

• Gifts of Stock: Take advantage of potential tax benefits.

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Contribute through a DAF.

• Charitable IRA Rollover: Donors 70½ or older may transfer up to $100,000 directly from an IRA.

Thank you for your generosity!

Join Our Team!

Island Housing Trust is hiring a full-time Business Manager to help support our mission of creating year-round housing for the essential workers, families, and community members who sustain Mount Desert Island.

If you’re passionate about community, housing equity, and making a tangible impact, we’d love to hear from you! Applications are due December 31, 2025.

Your Support Opens Doors…for those we rely on to live, work, and go to school year-round on MDI.

From the classroom to the hospital, from our homes to our harbors—MDI depends on people who are here year-round. But more and more, those who keep this island running are finding it harder to stay.

Your gift helps open the door to safe, stable, and year-round homes affordable for essential workers and their families.

Together, we’re not just building housing—we’re making room for the people who make this island home.

2024 Annual Report

Our Impact

 Visit the IHT profile on Candid for more information.

A few words from a Homeowner

“Without Island Housing Trust, we may have had to re-locate and move our family off Mount Desert Island. With our families close by, we want to raise our children here. Our children benefit from the excellent school system. Each of us have a short commute to work on the Island. Island Housing Trust has helped us keep our mortgage affordable.”