[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 167 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              ISLAND ELDERLY HOUSING ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD-

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                           HON. BILL DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 16, 2010

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Island 
Elderly Housing, an organization that has done an outstanding job of 
serving the people of Martha's Vineyard.
  Island Elderly Housing (IEH) was formed in 1976 by local residents of 
the Island who were active in healthcare, housing, serving elders and 
the ministry to provide decent, safe and affordable housing for low and 
moderate income elderly and handicapped persons. Under the able 
leadership of Carol Lashnits, the agency has created twelve 
developments totaling 165 units, using both donated land and buildings 
and financing from the USDA and HUD.
  IEH has grown to become a leader in the advocacy and provision of 
residential and related services for Island elderly and handicapped 
residents. Since 1981 when IEH received its first construction loan of 
$1.9 million from the Farmers Home Administration's Section 515 
program, the agency has received more than $26 million in federal and 
state grants and loans, and private grants and donations.
  As the nonprofit developer and manager for all of the units, IEH is 
responsible for the fiscal management for all of the development funds 
as well as the ongoing operating budgets.
  Careful management of its funds and its fiscal responsibility has 
resulted in ongoing receipt of grants and contributions to IEH and its 
programs from foundations, local religious organizations, and area 
citizens.
  In 2007, Carol Lashnits left her position as Executive Director for 
IEH and was replaced by Ann Wallace. Under Wallace, with the help of 
the larger community and a staff of fifteen, supportive services to 
aging residents have improved and increased and now include 
transportation, health, education, advocacy, community building, 
recreation, exercise, yoga, a meals program, spiritual opportunities, 
gardening and intergenerational activities.
  At the present time the IEH's Board and Executive Director are 
analyzing the present and future needs of elders on the Island as it 
plans for its own future activities. It is my hope that its next 30 
years will be as productive as its first 30 years have been.

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