The saddest part about Harbor Homes’ short-lived bid to create a permanent homeless shelter in Oak Bluffs is that it never got a chance.

Less than a month after unveiling plans to acquire a six-bedroom dormitory on Hudson avenue, the nonprofit withdrew its proposal this week, citing neighborhood opposition and the prospect of a protracted hearing before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

It is no surprise that the idea was not immediately embraced by neighbors. Homelessness is often misunderstood. While it does include people with mental illness and substance use disorders, it also includes victims of domestic violence and families in temporary financial crisis.

Since its founding five years ago by a group of committed clergy and citizens, Harbor Homes has worked diligently and creatively to address the many faces of homelessness. And on the face of it the Hudson avenue building — formerly used for workforce housing — seemed promising, accommodating up to 19 people overnight in the winter while offering longer-term housing for families in transition in a separate apartment.

Had the neighbors been willing to engage in a full and frank discussion about their concerns, a plan might have been developed to mitigate any risks. Instead, the project was dead on arrival.

The irony of homelessness is that, though its causes are already present in every neighborhood, people would prefer a solution that is out of sight.