About Us

Islesboro Affordable Property is the oldest functioning affordable housing program among Maine’s midcoast islands. It was founded in response to growing recognition of the problem of affordable housing on Islesboro. Island resident Steve Miller was an early proponent and the first director. The organization was incorporated and designated as a Nonprofit 501(c)3) in 1989. IAP’s mission and purpose has remained consistent throughout the years: ‘To create and provide housing that is affordable for full-time residents of Islesboro thereby contributing to the maintenance of a vibrant and active year-round community’.

The first project was the construction of the Ruthie James subdivision, a group of owner-built houses on land purchased at a favorable price from the Ruth James estate. Many board members and volunteers from the community collaborated in funding, sourcing and physically building those houses. Two of those first eight houses are still occupied by their original owners.

Over the ensuing years, additional homes were built or purchased and renovated with partial support by grants from Maine Housing Association as well as private individuals or foundations. Land was donated by the town, private individuals or purchased affordably. Some homes were sold back to IAP and are currently rented, others were built to rent. All remain within the affordable range and covenants restrict the sale prices.