Orleans Housing Trust Sets Four Priorities, Eyes Buy-Down Program for Deed-Restricted Homes

ORLEANS — February 17, 2026 — Orleans Affordable Housing Trust sets four strategic priorities and moves to fill buy-down program gap. The board met February 17, identifying a renewed community listening session and outreach campaign, new member recruitment, establishment of a buy-down program for deed-restricted resales, and a detailed fundraising plan as its near-term focus. Assistant Director of Planning and Community Housing Elizabeth reported that she has already requested technical assistance from the Shared Regional Housing Service office to set up the buy-down program, noting that without it the trust has no mechanism to address price mismatches when older deed-restricted units — including roughly 12 to 15 Habitat for Humanity homes in Orleans — come up for resale; one condo at 18 West Road is currently listed. Elizabeth also reported that the Governor Prince affordable housing project has received a project eligibility letter for both its homeownership and rental components and that a warrant article will be filed this week to expand the trust's powers to serve year-round households at up to 250 percent AMI under the town's new seasonal communities designation. The board approved its January 20, 2026 minutes unanimously and adjourned at 6:08 p.m.