About Us
Who is working on Wellfleet’s Housing Needs?
Three groups, the Wellfleet Affordable Housing Trust, the Wellfleet Housing Authority, and the Local Housing Partnership work together to create, sustain and promote affordable year-round housing in Wellfleet.
Wellfleet Affordable Housing Trust
The mission of the Wellfleet Affordable Housing Trust (WAHT) is to create, preserve, and support an adequate supply of quality affordable year-round homes. The Trust works to expand rental and ownership housing opportunities available to people at all stages of their lives to support an inclusive and welcoming community.
The WAHT was established by a vote of the 2019 annual Town Meeting and the enabling bylaw was approved at the 2020 Town Meeting. The WAHT can accept and receive real property, personal property or money by gift, grant, or contribution and use these resources in the acquisition, creation, preservation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing.
Trust members are appointed by the Selectboard. Current Trust members are:
Sharon Rule-Agger, Chair 06/30/2027
Josh Yeston, SelectBoard 06/30/2027
James Hood 06/30/2027
Elaine McIlroy 06/30/2027
Kathleen Nagle 06/30/2027
Carl Sussman 06/30/2027
Gary Sorkin 06/30/2027
Wellfleet Housing Authority
The Wellfleet Housing Authority (WHA) develops and offers programs to assist people in acquiring and retaining secure affordable housing through such programs as Rental Assistance, Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance, a BuyDown Program, and an Information phone line.
The WHA is a State authorized organization. Four members are elected and one member is appointed by the Governor. Current members are:
Elaine McIlroy, Chair ATE 2026
Michele Olem ATE 2027
Gary Sorkin ATE 2025
Kathleen Smola ATE 2029 Bob Wagner ATE 2029
Local Housing Partnership
The Local Housing Partnership is an appointed Town Committee with the goals of increasing the Town’s involvement in housing, fundraising, and promoting community awareness of housing needs. Current members are:
Sharon Rule-Agger, Chair, Wellfleet Affordable Housing Trust 6/30/2028
Gary Sorkin, Co-Chair At Large Member 6/30/2028
Judy Taylor At Large Member 06/30/28
Karen Kaminski At Large Member 06/30/28
John Grieb, Open Space Committee 03/30/2027
Joe Vallely, Wellfleet Seasonal Resident Association 06/30/2028
Sarah Blackwell 06/30/2028
Jan Morrisey, ZBA 06/30/2026
“Shellfishing is our heritage. It’s not only the economic engine of Wellfleet but it is integral to our identity. Shellfishing families are required to live within the boundaries of town so losing their
housing could mean losing everything. ”
— Michael Devasto, Chair, Wellfleet Select Board