$50,000 Matching Challenge Invites Community to Take Action Now
WELLFLEET, MA – When Wellfleet’s housing groups launched the Housing Angels initiative, Susan Spear was among its first champions. A dedicated member of the Local Housing Partnership and a passionate advocate for affordable housing, Susan worked tirelessly to advance solutions for Wellfleet’s housing crisis. She organized summer fundraisers for the Wellfleet Affordable Housing Trust (WAHT), rallied friends to the cause, and served on the board of the Wellfleet Preservation Hall, enriching the community through both housing and the arts. To honor her memory and continue her impactful work, WAHT and Preservation Hall hosted a celebration of Susan’s life on July 30, marking one year since her passing. This event served as a tribute to her deep commitment to Wellfleet’s future—and a call to action for all who share her vision.
Before she passed, Susan shared her wish that her family continue supporting affordable housing in Wellfleet, and her family has lovingly honored that wish with a $100,000 gift to WAHT—$50,000 given directly and $50,000 offered as a matching challenge to inspire others to join them in creating more year-round, affordable and attainable homes. The funds will directly support the Housing Angels program, which focuses on creating attainable homeownership opportunities for Wellfleet residents who earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing but not enough to purchase a home in today’s market. This critical gap in housing access is one of the greatest challenges facing the Outer Cape. WAHT, the Town's official housing trust, is empowered to raise funds, acquire and manage property, and spearhead initiatives that create and preserve year-round housing.
The Trust is deeply grateful to the Spear/Janis family for their transformative gift and hopes this donation inspires others to step forward. Help us double the impact. Every dollar donated now will be matched up to $50,000, thanks to the Spear/ Janis family’s challenge. Your gift will go twice as far in creating sustainable housing solutions for our community.
To donate: Please make checks payable to Wellfleet Affordable Housing Trust and mail to: Ann Schiffenhaus, Housing Coordinator, 300 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA 02667 Questions? Contact Ann Schiffenhaus at 508-349-0300 x1123 or at ann.schiffenhaus@wellfleet-ma.gov