💜 Martha's Vineyard Support Services Resource Guide
Finding Help on MV: 50+ Island Resources for Food, Housing, Healthcare & More
Living on an island presents VERY unique challenges when it comes to accessing essential services. I created this guide as a starting point for finding the help you need on MV. There are people here who care and want to help, whether your needs are big or small.
Our local organizations form a safety net for islanders facing food insecurity, housing issues, health concerns, and more. This guide outlines what’s available, where to find it, and how to get connected.
While this guide highlights many of the incredible services on the Island, First Stop MV is the most complete and up-to-date directory. Managed by Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, First Stop connects people with the right programs through decades of local expertise.
🥫 Food Access & Pantries
Island Food Pantry – Provides groceries to any Islander in need. Located at 114 Dukes County Ave, Oak Bluffs. Hours: Monday 2–4 PM, Wednesday 1–6 PM, Saturday 10 AM–12 PM. Senior shopping hours: Friday 12–2 PM.
Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club – Blue Door Pantry – Offers fresh produce, meats, and ready-made meals to children and their families. Open weekdays during after-school hours.
Good Shepherd Parish Food Distribution – Distributes bags of protein and produce on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at 55 School Street, Oak Bluffs. Additional non-perishable bags available by arrangement.
Winter Community Suppers – Various churches host free hot meals during winter months; schedules vary by location.
Meals on Wheels (via Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands) – Delivers meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities; eligibility requirements apply.
Island Grown Initiative – Mobile Market – Offers reduced-price fresh, locally grown produce and eggs. Operates June through October with weekly deliveries; schedule varies by location.
Free Little Pantry at Grace Episcopal Church – Provides non-perishable food items, personal care products, and baby necessities. Located in the Parish Hall at Grace Episcopal Church, Vineyard Haven. There is also a free fridge at West Tisbury Library.
🏠 Housing & Shelter Resources
There is no year-round homeless shelter on Martha's Vineyard. During the colder months (typically November through April), a winter shelter operates with hosting duties rotating among local churches on different nights of the week. This shelter provides overnight accommodations and meals to individuals and families in need. The specific churches and schedule may change annually—contact Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard for the most up-to-date information.
Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard – Coordinates the Island's winter shelter program and offers transitional housing, case management, and support services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Martha's Vineyard Community Services – Provides a range of assistance, including mental health counseling and case management related to housing insecurity and prevention.
Dukes County Regional Housing Authority – Offers rental assistance programs to help eligible residents secure and maintain long-term housing.
Martha's Vineyard Mediation Program – Runs a Housing Help Line offering support for tenants and landlords on housing disputes, lease concerns, and mediation services.
🧥 Clothing & Household Goods
Chicken Alley Thrift Shop – Operated by Martha's Vineyard Community Services, this Vineyard Haven thrift shop offers clothing, household items, and furniture at affordable prices. Proceeds support vital community programs.
Act Two Second Hand Store – A volunteer-run shop in Edgartown selling quality second-hand furniture and home goods. Profits benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Minnesingers.
Clothes To Go – A year-round program located at the Stone Church in Vineyard Haven, providing free new and gently used clothing to all. Open Wednesdays and Fridays 10 AM–12 PM, and Saturdays 11 AM–1 PM. Private shopping appointments available on Mondays.
MV Family Center Swap Shop – Located at the MV Family Center in Vineyard Haven, this swap shop allows families to donate and pick up gently used baby gear, children's clothing, toys, and books. Open during specific events; check the Family Center's schedule for details.
👩👧👦 Family & Child Support
MV Family Center (MV Community Services) – Free programs for families with children ages 0–8, with bilingual support and connections to local programs
Playgroups & parenting workshops – Held throughout the week for various age groups.
Postpartum and new parent support – Including the Baby’s First Year group.
Early Intervention – In-home developmental screenings and services for children under 3.
Child care financial assistance – Help for eligible families navigating child care access.
Head Start & Early Head Start – Home-based early learning programs for income-eligible families with children ages 0–5.
WIC – Women, Infants & Children – Nutrition education and monthly grocery benefits for income-eligible pregnant/postpartum women and children under 5. Offered locally through Health Imperatives at MV Hospital.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape & Islands – Matches Island youth with caring adult mentors to provide consistent friendship, guidance, and support.
🧓 Support for Seniors
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands – Coordinates Meals on Wheels, in-home care services, caregiver support, and referrals for aging adults on the Vineyard.
Town Councils on Aging (COAs) – Each Island town has a COA offering wellness programs, transportation, case management, and social events for seniors. Services vary but may include balance classes, art workshops, memory cafés, and friendly visitors.
Island Elderly Housing – Affordable senior housing communities in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs offering meals, activities, and wellness programs for low-income older adults.
Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living – Offers specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s programming, support groups, and a supportive day program for adults needing structured care.
Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard – Provides free, compassionate end-of-life care, bereavement support, and caregiver guidance for residents and their families.
Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group – Offers financial support and emotional counseling to Island residents undergoing cancer treatment, as well as monthly support group meetings.
MV Hospital – Social Services Department – Helps seniors and their families with care coordination, discharge planning, and connecting to community-based services and long-term care.
💊 Health & Recovery Resources
Red House Peer Recovery Support Center – Located at 12 Beach Road in Oak Bluffs, Red House offers a welcoming space for recovery and peer support. Services include recovery coaching, peer-led support groups, workshops, and social events.
Friends of Family Planning of Martha's Vineyard –Compassionate, inclusive sexual health care for all community members. They fundraise to support Health Imperatives' on-island sexual and reproductive health clinic and provide educational resources.
Island Counseling Center (MV Community Services) – Offers mental health counseling, psychiatry, crisis response, and school-based services for children, teens, and adults.
New Paths Recovery Program (MVCS) – Outpatient substance use recovery program providing individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
AA & NA Meetings on MV – Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held regularly across the Island, open to anyone seeking support in recovery.
MV Hospital – Behavioral Health Services – Offers psychiatric evaluation, inpatient services (off-Island referrals), and social work support through its Emergency Department and outpatient care team.
Health Imperatives – Martha’s Vineyard – Provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and gender-affirming hormone therapy.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Cape & Islands) – Offers peer support groups, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Some services are available virtually or on the Vineyard.
👨⚖️ Legal and Advocacy Services
South Coastal Counties Legal Services – Provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents, including help with housing, public benefits, family law, and elder rights. Remote and on-Island consultations available.
MV Mediation Program – Housing Help Line – Offers conflict resolution, especially around landlord-tenant issues, neighbor disputes, and family matters. Free and confidential.
Immigration Resource Center of MV (via MVCS) – Supports Island immigrants with referrals, translation services, legal clinic access, and community advocacy.
Disability Services (MVCS) – Provides case management, life skills coaching, and advocacy for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) – Oversees discrimination complaints related to housing, employment, and public accommodations. May serve Islanders remotely.
Dukes County Veterans Services – Offers assistance with VA benefits, housing, healthcare access, transportation, and emergency aid for Island veterans and their families.
Some services may offer interpretation—call ahead to confirm.
💬 Community Access & Empowerment
VTA (Vineyard Transit Authority) – Island-wide bus service with year-round routes. Reduced fare passes are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and income-eligible residents.
CONNECT to End Violence – A program of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services offering free, confidential support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Services include advocacy, counseling, safety planning, and help navigating legal system.
ACE MV – Offers adult education, certificate programs, workforce training, and continuing education for Island residents. Courses range from health care and education to trades and ESL.
Career Opportunities – MassHire Cape & Islands – Provides job listings, resume help, job training, and unemployment assistance. Some services available virtually or at pop-up events on the Island.
Island Libraries (All Towns) – All six Island towns have public libraries offering free internet, computer access, printing, events, tech help, and educational programs. Great for warm spaces, job searching, or finding community.
If you notice any resources I've missed or have updates to share, please email me at info@mvacay.com. This guide will be updated regularly to ensure the information remains current and comprehensive for our island community.
Everyone deserves to know where to turn when they need a helping hand.
Here are a few key contacts to keep handy:
First Stop MV – Visit firststopmv.com or call 508-693-7900 for a full directory of Island services.
Food Resources Hotline – Call 508-693-7900 ext. 410 or email food.resources@mvcommunityservices.org for help accessing free or low-cost food.
CONNECT to End Violence – 24/7 confidential support for domestic or sexual violence: 508-696-SAFE (7233).
We're all in this together, and I hope this resource helps you or someone you care about find exactly what they need on our little island!
Such a valuable round up!