Cranberry Isles Realty Trust (CIRT) is working some magic for year-round community stability and survival.

With support from Genesis, MaineHousing, and community donors, CIRT owns 10 affordable rental homes—five each on Great Cranberry Island and Islesford (Little Cranberry Island). It has permanently protected three more for year-round use. And the CIRT board and island residents are continuing to make plans and raise the capital to do even more.

CIRT provides homes for about one-quarter of thetwo islands’ year-round population. Its tenants are deeply woven into community life—serving on local boards, working as town employees, and staffing places like the library, fitness center, and transfer station. One tenant is hoping to take on year-round work at the Great Cranberry post office. Others fish, teach, create art, and help keep businesses running, from the Islesford restaurant and summer ice cream shop to the grocery store.

Among the “CIRT families” helping stabilize the year-round population and keep the elementary school open are two sets of parents and children drawn to Maine from other states. Another family with young children lives on Great Cranberry because Dad grew up there and had long hoped to return—this housing made that possible.

CIRT’s housing strategy is building community life and helping two Maine islands make a sustainable year-round future not only possible, but already in motion.