Shelter For All, a new housing advocacy group, hosts its first meeting this Saturday for anyone interested in the future of affordable housing here on Shelter Island.
Liz Hanley and Maria Magenti co-founded the group; they also serve as volunteers on the Town’s Community Housing Board and the fledgling Community Housing Fund Advisory Board. Hanley’s husband, David Austin, is another Shelter For All co-founder.
The inaugural meetup takes place Saturday, March 19 at 3 PM at the Shelter Island Public Library.
“We believe the diversity of our residents is what makes Shelter Island such a magical place,” Shelter For All said in a flyer announcing the meeting on social media. “Our year-rounders, snowbirds, and summer neighbors are important members of our vibrant community.”
“We are facing a housing crisis that can only be fixed when we work together,” they said. “But the lack of affordable housing for our full-time residents and workers threatens to change this special place forever. Addressing this issue is not a simple matter of finances.”
“Mindful of our rich history and the challenges of our future, we know that protecting our precious natural resources demands vigilance and innovation. There are no quick fixes, but there are creative and responsible ways to build a livable and sustainable future. We are dedicated to finding them.”
“It will take all of us — a group of committed citizens who represent the diversity of this lovely town we call home — to make it happen.”
Anyone can attend the meeting in the library’s lower level Community Room. Please note, the library serves children who are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations as well as elderly residents who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. As a result, mask-wearing for indoor events is encouraged.
You can sign up for the Shelter For All mailing list at shelterforall.net.
