Mission
Havenside is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Corporation with a mission to provide independent and affordable housing for Island seniors and quality of life in a shared community on Vineyard Haven Harbor.
About Us
What is Havenside?
Havenside is a 501(c)(3) non-profit rental apartment complex for Island elders, situated on a sloping hillside overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor.
There are twenty-nine apartments in four buildings:
- Twenty-four one-bedroom units
- Four two-bedroom units
- One studio
Most apartments enjoy sweeping views of the harbor. The property is one block from downtown Vineyard Haven, bordered by Main Street and Crocker Avenue. Residents can walk to the Vineyard Haven Public Library, local restaurants and shops, the grocery store, churches, the VTA bus terminal, and the Steamship Authority ferry.
Who owns and operates Havenside?
Havenside was constructed in 1966 with the mission to provide housing at or below cost for retired, elderly full-time residents of Martha's Vineyard. Margaret Love purchased the former Havenside Inn and designed and built the complex under the aegis of the Romarlo Foundation.
In 1973, the Loves donated the facility to the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts; in 1991, the Diocese created a separate non-profit Corporation for the administration of Havenside. Although the complex remains affiliated with the Diocese, it is governed by a local Board of Directors in accordance with the Corporation By-Laws.
The Board sets eligibility criteria and other policies according to the non-profit mission of the organization, with consideration to the needs of Havenside and the larger community.
Services
What services does Havenside provide?
The apartments are designed for independent living, and tenants are responsible for arranging any assistance they may require. Through Elder Services or Tisbury Council on Aging, residents and their families can arrange for Medicare or Medicaid supported home health or nursing services for those who qualify, and learn about other independent home or health-related services. With so many home-based services for elders available on the Island, many Havenside residents are able to extend their years of independent living.
Services provided to all tenants include a full-time manager, 24-hour response to emergency-related calls, rubbish and recycling removal, snow removal, grounds and garden maintenance, lawn furniture, laundry room facilities in each building, keyed mailbox, and parking for one car as available.
One building houses a meeting area attached to the office. Residents can arrange to use this space for activities after office hours. Residents hold social functions occasionally.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for Havenside?
To be eligible, applicants must provide proof of year-round residency on Martha's Vineyard for at least the past two consecutive years, be at least 65 years old, and be able to meet the other requirements and restrictions to be accepted for an apartment.
Other Requirements and Restrictions
Residents must be able to live independently and safely within the constraints of the property. Most apartments are accessed by a few steps and sloping walkways. Parking is limited and can be some distance from the apartment.
- No smoking is allowed on the property.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Two-bedroom apartments are for double occupancy and are not available to single applicants.
Apartments
Havenside offers independent living rental apartments in four buildings overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor. The property is close to downtown Vineyard Haven and within walking distance of essential Island services and transportation.
Rent & Fees
The rent schedule is below. Rents may be adjusted modestly each January 1 according to a Board-established long-range maintenance plan.
In accordance with its non-profit mission, the Board of Havenside is committed to maintaining the lowest rates that allow for the proper maintenance of the property.
2026 Rent Schedule
| Apartment Type | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Core | $1,105 |
| 1 Bedroom Wing | $1,185 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,395 |
| Lower-level 1 bedroom/studio | $950 |
Couples incur an additional $100 fee per month per unit.
Apply
What is the application process?
Inquiries and applications should be directed to the Havenside Corporation Manager, P.O. Box 1418, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568; telephone 508-693-2280; email havenside145@gmail.com.
A complete application packet can be downloaded below. The preliminary form will be filed according to date of receipt.
The final application asks for contacts, references, and medical verification. Approved candidates will be interviewed by the manager and will review living at Havenside.
All residents are expected to live courteously, communally, and peacefully.
Endowment Fund
The Love Gift
The Havenside Endowment Fund was created by the Board of Directors of Havenside Corporation with the generous bequest of Havenside's founder and original benefactor, Margaret Love.
In honor of Margaret Love's dedication to helping others, the mission of the Havenside Endowment Fund is to preserve, maintain, and improve the Havenside property in perpetuity and to support the expansion of affordable housing for elders on Martha's Vineyard.
Expending Endowment Fund principal will be considered only upon informing all Board members of this intent at least one week in advance of any meeting. Endowment Fund principal may not be expended for any purpose unless approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees at two consecutive meetings, which must be held at least two weeks apart. Any check written on the Endowment account must bear the signatures of two Board members.
Interest or dividends earned by the Fund will accrue and may be used for the purposes stated in the mission or added to the Fund. The Board will vote to make periodic distributions of these accrued earnings as needed. Capital gains will be reinvested.
Additional contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible.
Board
- Beth Welch
- Glenn Alberich
- Sharon Eckhardt
- Karen Huff, Clerk
- Carl Malmquist, Treasurer
Contact information provided upon request.
Contact
Havenside Corporation
145 Main Street
P.O. Box 1418
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 693-2280 Office
Or stop in during regular office hours:
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.