Dear Friends,                                     

Matt Wetmore and Marin Reinhardt have a safe and affordable home on the Lower Cape, close to their families, close to their jobs and perfect for their expanding family. Both native to the Lower Cape, the limited number of year-round affordable rental homes here was making a move to the mid-cape or off Cape all together seem imminent, until a friend told them about us. In October, Matt and Marin moved into a two-bedroom ranch on a quiet lane in Eastham that was purchased last year by the Eastham Affordable Housing Trust. Their home is one of the 67 affordable rental homes between Harwich and Provincetown that we manage or own. And, in short time their home will welcome two new additions as they are expecting twins.   

Lucas Dinwiddie has a steady income and a thriving local small business that contributes to our economy.  Also a native Cape Codder and Nauset High School graduate, Lucas started Halcyon Farm, a one-acre produce farm on Main Street (Rt. 6a) in Brewster, after returning to the Cape over four years ago. Last year, Lucas knew he needed help to g  row his business and he turned to our Micro Loan Program.  With a $5,000 loan from the CDP, he was able complete funding for a new well and irrigation upgrades that were integral to take his business to the next level - greater yield and a higher quality product. Our staff also works with Lucas to review his financials and ensure his business is on the right track for the future.  

Lindsey Oringer owns her own home. In order to prepare for such an endeavor, Lindsey first participated in our First Time Home Buyer program. During the class she learned about credit health, budgeting, home inspections, mortgage products, home energy audits, a number of things she claimed she may not have given thought to prior. The certificate she received for completing the 4-night course also enabled her to qualify for a low interest rate and ultimately land her in her new home in Brewster.

Andy and Alane Keese are able to make a living here and support their growing family. Owners of the fishing vessel Miss Rockville out of Chatham, Andy and Alane were amongst a dwindling number of local fishermen fighting to stay alive amidst challe nging regulation changes in the fishing industry. Through the Cape Cod Fisheries Trust they've been able to purchase fishing quota at affordable rates and compete in what has become a very competitive marketplace. In addition to quota access, Andy and Alane have also improved their business operations and committed to sustainable fishing practices to ensure our local fishing industry is sustainable for generations to come, including for their two young sons.

Melissa Shantz added an affordable rental home to the Lower Cape. A long-time Wellfleet resident, Melissa had started work on her own to create an affordable year-round accessory dwelling in Wellfleet. When she realized she wouldn't be able to complete the project on her own, she turned to the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. The program gave her just the boost she needed to get the work done, including a kitchen, bathroom and some interior finish work, and provide a home for a person who grew up here to be able to afford to stay here and remain connected with their community networks.

Sanette Groenewald is protecting our environment by implementing sustainable business practices. Owner of two popular Lower Cape eateries, Karoo Kafe in  Provincetown and Karoo Restaurant in Eastham, Sanette became Cape & Islands Green verified by making the extra effort to conserve, increase energy efficiency measures and share that information with her staff too. Her efforts are an investment in our community  and its future.

All of these individuals have something in common, they are young, they love this place and they want to remain here. Your support has helped make this a reality for them. However, the challenges they've faced and overcome are those encountered by many on the Lower Cape. We ask you to help us create opportunities for more of our neighbors. With reduced funding from state and federal government, we rely on your generosity now more than ever. Please make a donation today at our secure online site, where you can also sign up to contribute each month. 

Between now and the end of the year, a group of anonymous donors has pledged to match your contribution dollar for dollar up to $20,000. This generous matching gift will allow us to meet our fundraising goal of $40,000 by the end of the year.

You can help us continue the significant work of the CDP to nurture a vibrant Lower Cape region and to make this a place where more people like Marin and Matt, Lucas, Lindsey, Andy and Alane, Sanette and Melissa can thrive and continue to call home.

Sincerely, 

Executive Director                      President, Board of Directors