After speaking with several of my aunties and elders about the state of the Island, this has been on my heart to write for a few days … As we enjoy another beautiful summer on Martha’s Vineyard, let’s remember that paradise isn’t the same experience for everyone.
Beyond the beaches, restaurants, and unforgettable sunsets are actual residents — families, seniors, and workers who help make this Island so special every single day. Many quietly face challenges that aren’t always visible, including food insecurity, housing insecurity, seasonal employment, and the rising cost of simply living on the Island. This list only begins to highlight what is really going on.
If Martha’s Vineyard has brought you joy, consider giving something back. Here are a few meaningful ways to help:
- Donate food or make a financial contribution to the Island Food Pantry (behind Black Joy).
- Support organizations working to provide affordable housing for year-round residents.
- Shop at locally owned businesses throughout your visit.
- Leave generous tips for hospitality and service workers.
- Volunteer your time if you’re spending an extended stay on the Island.
- Support local school supply drives and youth organizations.
- Check on and support programs that serve Island seniors.
- Donate gently used clothing, household items, or other essentials to local charities.
- Learn about the unique challenges of year-round Island life, and share that knowledge with others.
A thriving community isn’t built only during the summer months; it depends on caring for the people who call this Island home all year long.
Let’s leave Martha’s Vineyard better than we found it — not just by protecting its natural beauty, but by investing in the people who make this place extraordinary.
Here are a few organizations where folks can help out. This is not a complete list, it’s just a preliminary list to point you in the right direction.
Island Food Pantry (Island Grown Initiative)
Provides groceries, fresh produce, and healthy food to Islanders in need. igimv.org, 508-296-8384.
Island Housing Trust
Works to create affordable housing for year-round residents. ihtmv.org, 508-693-1117.
Dukes County Regional Housing Authority
Provides affordable housing and rental assistance. dcrha.org, 508-693-4419.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
Supports mental health, disability services, veterans, families, and children. mvcommunityservices.org, 508-693-7900.
Chicken Alley Thrift Shop
Donate gently used clothing and household items. Every purchase and donation supports Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. mvcommunityservices.org/chicken-alley, 508-693-2278.
Good Shepherd Parish Food Pantry
Provides food assistance to Island families throughout the year. goodshepherdmv.com, 508-560-8764.
Island Autism Group
Provides education, housing, and life-skills support for individuals with autism. islandautism.org, 508-338-7509.
Vineyard House
Supports Islanders recovering from substance use disorders. vineyardhouse.org, 508-693-8580
Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation
Provides grants to local nonprofits addressing housing, food insecurity, education, and emergency needs. marthasvineyardcf.org, 508-939-1346.
Martha’s Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative
Find volunteer opportunities with dozens of Island nonprofits. mvnonprofits.org, 917-855-1891.
Robyne Jenkins Brown is a summer Island resident and Oak Bluffs homeowner whose family has been coming to the Vineyard since the early 1900s.
