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.

two members of the Wellfleet Housing Group

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:

Harry Terkanian, Chair
Michael DeVasto
James Hood
Elaine McIlroy
Kathleen Nagle
Sharon Rule-Agger
Gary Sorkin

Wellfleet Housing Authority

Community building Habitat Home in Wellfleet

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
Richard Ciotti
Sarah Pechukas
Gary Sorkin
Mia Baumgarten, Governor’s Appointee 2017-2022

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 At Large Member 06/30/22
Elizabeth Salen At Large Member 06/30/22
Anne Suggs At Large Member 06/30/22
Judy Taylor At Large Member 06/30/22
Karen Kaminski At Large Member 06/30/22
Susan Spear At Large Member 06/30/22
Gary Sorkin, Local Housing Partnership
Olga Kahn, Planning Board
John Grieb, Open Space
Jan Morrisey, ZBA

shellfishing in Wellfleet Sunset

“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