01
THE FILM
What happens when full-time residents of one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations struggle to keep a roof over their heads?
Nantucket Shuffle explores the ongoing housing crisis that threatens to divide the island, and the obstacles that keep Nantucket from solving a problem that deeply affects its communal quality of life.
The story is told through interviews with island residents, both year-round and seasonal, with the aim of bringing light to the issue, and in hopes of prompting a unifying dialogue that will hopefully lead to positive solutions.
03
THE MISSION
Nantucket is charmed. The ‘Grey Lady’ is an infinitely preserved National Historic Landmark District surrounded by miles of unspoiled beaches, with 64% of her land conserved forever as public open space, yet the island now finds itself unable to provide for the very people who keep her economy alive and her community vibrant.
They are the heart and soul of Nantucket.
The lack of dignified, affordable housing for those lucky enough to live on an island beloved by all, has deteriorated the quality of life to levels that threaten economic stability, citizen safety and runs counter to the spirit of Nantucket.
“And it's time to realize the asset that our friends and neighbors bring to our community and into our lives. And it is time to say, yes, it's important for us as a community to provide dignified housing at an affordable level.” Beth Ann Meehan
It’s also time to support the many independent and often under-resourced Nantucket organizations, both public and privately funded who have worked for decades to build solutions despite an onslaught of opposition.
02
THE FACTS
90% percent of year-round households cannot own a home on Nantucket.
Source: NANTUCKET WORKFORCE HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT -
APRIL 2015, prepared for Housing Nantucket by RKG,
Executive summary, Key findings.
About a quarter of households on Nantucket are currently seeking housing.
Source: NANTUCKET HOUSING MARKET STUDY: FULL REPORT,
Nantucket Data Platform, October 30,2019, page 35.
Nearly half of Nantucket’s housing units occupied by current shufflers are substandard.
Source: NANTUCKET HOUSING MARKET STUDY: FULL REPORT,
Nantucket Data Platform, October 30,2019, page 30.
64% of Nantucket’s housing units are seasonal, while only 36% are year round.
Source: NANTUCKET WORKFORCE HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT -
April 2015, prepared for Housing Nantucket by RKG Associates.
The average price of a home in the US is about $362,700. On Nantucket it’s $2,376,354.
Sources: UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU,
September 2019. Great Point Properties, December 2019.
27% of residential housing units on Nantucket are substandard.
Source: NANTUCKET HOUSING MARKET STUDY: FULL REPORT,
Nantucket Data Platform, October 30,2019, page 29.
About 11% of households on Nantucket use non-bedrooms as bedrooms.
Source: NANTUCKET HOUSING MARKET STUDY: FULL REPORT,
Nantucket Data Platform, October 30,2019, page 29.