Your Update. Your Impact. | | |
A Note from Jay Coburn, President & CEO
For those of us working in the community development field, the uncertainty surrounding the 2024 US elections have been a source of significant anxiety for many months. There is no denying that federal and state elected officials will positively or negatively impact the work we are doing on Lower and Outer Cape Cod to build a stronger and more diverse year-round community of people who can afford to live, work and thrive here.
It is challenging not to get completely wrapped up in the ups and downs of political campaigns, regardless of who you are inclined to support. The daily headlines do little to reassure me of which direction we are heading. I also find it hard not to get paralyzed by the barrage of messages on social, print, and broadcast media and worry about political campaigns over which I have no influence.
What I find helpful is to turn off the TV and social media and turn my attention and energy to having an impact where I can make a difference – in my neighborhood. Through the CDP’s efforts to equip local officials with the knowledge and skills to advance housing production and organize residents to support pro-housing measures, we now have a development pipeline that will produce close to 1,000 units of affordable housing on the Lower and Outer Cape by 2029. Last week, we broke ground on 46 units of affordable rental housing in Wellfleet that will be net-zero in energy consumption and more than double the number of affordable housing units in that town.
I don’t know that my colleagues and I at the CDP can fix this nation’s income inequality problem, which is arguably the source of much of our housing affordability crisis. But we can work to find solutions and dedicate local resources to solving our housing crisis. As the saying goes, thinking globally and acting locally is our path forward on the Lower and Outer Cape. Thanks for supporting our work to make a difference in your neighborhood.
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Breaking Ground on The Residences at Lawrence Hill in Wellfleet
We are thrilled to announce the momentous occasion of our groundbreaking ceremony on October 30th in Wellfleet for The Residences at Lawrence Hill, a new affordable housing community featuring 46 affordable, sustainably designed rental units. All 46 units will count toward Wellfleet's subsidized housing inventory and will more than double the number of affordable housing units in the town. Seventy-five percent of the units will be reserved for those earning no more than 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). The energy-efficient apartments and townhomes draw inspiration from the Outer Cape's mid-century modern architectural style. They will adhere to passive house-building standards, ensuring they generate as much energy as they consume.
"Lawrence Hill, with its beautiful design, energy efficiency, and healthy resident experience, will provide secure and lasting homes for many people we cannot afford to lose," said Elaine McIlroy, Chair of the Wellfleet Housing Authority, Chair, 95 Lawrence Road Task Force, and Wellfleet resident. "It's essential for a healthy community to have housing that supports those working in the town from all backgrounds and to welcome and support new generations and talents."
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From Canal House to a stable home
"To me, the independence of having my own space to come home to after work makes all the difference. Being sober makes it easier to be grateful for it all."
– Don Petelle-Murphy
Don Petelle-Murphy has deep roots on Cape Cod, and like many Cape residents, he’s faced a fair share of challenges along the way. His journey to recovery from alcohol addiction was particularly difficult. The unique obstacles on Cape Cod—like long winters, isolation, and limited resources—can make it especially tough for people to find the support they need. However, Don did not give up. With determination and assistance from the CDP, he found a way to build a healthier, more stable life.
Read more about Don Petelle-Murphy's journey.
| | Supporting Local Business Owners | | |
Use Your Voice in Project 365
“I would never have felt empowered and supported enough to represent Eastham 365 without the help of the CDP’s community organizers.”
Natalia Reydk, Eastham Resident and Project 365 Member
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As Cape Cod residents, we can engage in a local government system that determines how taxpayer dollars are spent and creates policies that impact our daily lives. The phrase "get involved" is often used to encourage civic participation, but the reality is more complex than simply attending the next board or committee meeting. Effecting change in a system requires knowledge, and many individuals who are passionate about community issues often find it challenging to know where to begin. This challenge has inspired CDP's newest initiative in our Housing Advocacy Department: Project 365.
Project 365 is a grassroots initiative designed to simplify the organization of community efforts. It unites advocates and residents, enhancing their effectiveness and directing their energy toward achieving the greatest impact. With the support of our Community Organizers, Project 365 offers the structure that advocates need to create lasting change within municipal government and, by extension, our communities.
Read more about Project 365.
| Do you live in, work in, or have strong ties to Truro, Eastham, Orleans, or Harwich? Would you like to get involved or learn more about Project 365? Contact us at project365@capecdp.org. | | Your support and involvement are invaluable. Thank you for making our work possible and significantly impacting our community. | | |
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