[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 15] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 22472-22473] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ISLAND ELDERLY HOUSING ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD ______ HON. BILL DELAHUNT of massachusetts in the house of representatives Thursday, December 16, 2010 Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Island Elderly Housing, an organization that has done an outstanding job of serving the people of Martha's Vineyard. Island Elderly Housing (IEH) was formed in 1976 by local residents of the Island who were active in healthcare, housing, serving elders and the ministry to provide decent, safe and affordable housing for low and moderate income elderly and handicapped persons. Under the able leadership of Carol Lashnits, the agency has created twelve developments totaling 165 units, using both donated land and buildings and financing from the USDA and HUD. IEH has grown to become a leader in the advocacy and provision of residential and related services for Island elderly and handicapped residents. Since 1981 when IEH received its first construction loan of $1.9 million from the Farmers Home Administration's Section 515 program, the agency has received more than $26 million in federal and state grants and loans, and private grants and donations. As the nonprofit developer and manager for all of the units, IEH is responsible for the fiscal management for all of the development funds as well as the ongoing operating budgets. Careful management of its funds and its fiscal responsibility has resulted in ongoing receipt of grants and contributions to IEH and its programs from foundations, local religious organizations, and area citizens. In 2007, Carol Lashnits left her position as Executive Director for IEH and was replaced by Ann Wallace. Under Wallace, with the help of the larger community and a staff of fifteen, supportive services to aging residents have [[Page 22473]] improved and increased and now include transportation, health, education, advocacy, community building, recreation, exercise, yoga, a meals program, spiritual opportunities, gardening and intergenerational activities. At the present time the IEH's Board and Executive Director are analyzing the present and future needs of elders on the Island as it plans for its own future activities. It is my hope that its next 30 years will be as productive as its first 30 years have been. ____________________