Doing it Differently:
COMPREHENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT, WRAPAROUND SERVICES, AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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A housing poster in the case management office at our Rockport campus.
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Each individual and family who enters through our doors brings their own unique stories, challenges, and opportunities. Last year, 15 case managers brought on 100 new clients and their families, representing 401 households and 860 individuals from infants to seniors.
The number one reason for homelessness continues to be the combination of the inability to afford the available housing or leases not being renewed.
Case managers are the critical connector to our wraparound services, designed to support clients throughout their journey from homelessness to housing, and ultimately to attain stable, positive living. As a result, more than 95% of KCHC clients remain housed more than one year later.
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Every family that was at our shelter 8 weeks ago has transitioned to their new home!
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Talbot Avenue Development
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Habitat volunteers from Congregational Church in S. Glastonbury Mission Group gathered for a photograph at our Talbot Avenue affordable housing development in Rockland.
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Construction on our much-needed affordable housing venture continues at 165 Talbot Ave, affectionately referred to as "Firefly Field"!
We are teaming up with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity and Maine State Housing Authority to create this neighborhood community to serve as a model for other rural towns across Maine and the U.S. looking for affordable and sustainable solutions. Thanks to the combination of small footprint design, local business in-kind donations and discounts, the Habitat volunteer construction model, and panels built through the Construction Certification Program at the Maine State Prison, the cost of this building project is significantly less than traditional construction, making these homes truly affordable for most people working and trying to find housing in this community.
Volunteers at Habitat construction sites work side-by-side with a crew leader and a partner family, helping with all aspects of home building and experiencing the joy created when a family realizes the dream of home ownership.
For more information visit: https://midcoasthabitat.org/volunteer/.
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Above right: modular homes being to delivered to 165 Talbot Ave in Rockland (below: being assembled). The neighborhood will include six cottages, two duplexes with multi-bedroom apartments, and three Habitat homes. There will be both rental and home ownership options in this diverse community, within walking distance of downtown.
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Your Support Matters. Join us as a monthly donor!
Knox County Homeless Coalition is the only comprehensive homeless services organization in our approximately 2000 square mile coverage area. We are currently providing services for 1,000 people—about half of them children.
A recurring donation provides critical ongoing support for families, individuals, and at-risk youth in the Midcoast. For as little as $10 a month—less than the cost of a cup of coffee a week—you can make a big difference in the lives of the people we serve.
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Our People:
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
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Sam's Story
Sam is a youth client through the Transitional Living Program located at our Rockland campus.
Sam came out to his family as trans when he was 11 years old, and to say they didn't take it well would be an understatement. He began being bullied in school as well, so he graduated early thinking it would be better to be on his own. Though he wanted to be emancipated, he was scared of standing up in a courtroom and sharing his past and didn't know how he'd support himself.
He had heard about our youth program, because of the drop-in center in Rockland at The Landing Place, so he met with KCHC Director of Youth Services, Joseph Hufnagel about case management support. He was assigned a case manager who helped him to find a therapist, met with him every week, and became an important role model in his life. Since he was 18, he qualified to participate in our Transitional Living Program, and while there, with the support he received he was empowered to officialy change his name.
"The whole crew welcomed me with open arms. They are the most respectful, gentle people I know. It has been 7 months since I moved into the Transitional Living Program and I have a job that I love. I want people to know the whole staff has offered unconditional support and kindness. I couldn’t have imagined that people could be this nice. They literally changed my life"
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Reserved for individuals between the ages of 18 and 22 and emancipated minors who are receiving case management services and are in urgent need of safe, reliable, and affordable housing, our Transitional Living Program consists of four efficiency studio apartments adjacent to our youth center in Rockland, Maine.
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We are hiring for multiple positions. We seek caring, dedicated, and flexible team members with a sense of humor to become a part of our mission-driven organization. Help us create, implement, and improve programs to support the most vulnerable members of our community.
Knox County Homeless Coalition offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including employer-supported health insurance plans (employer pays up to 95% and contributes to a health savings account), optional dental and vision plans, life insurance, short term disability insurance, retirement plan with a 3% employer match, paid time off (starting at 15 days per year), 14 paid holidays (including your birthday!), and additional time off in the summer.
“KCHC's 'do the right thing' philosophy applies not just to how KCHC approaches client care and programs but also internally when it comes to valuing staff and promoting a supportive and fun work culture—from benefits, to compensation, to supervisors holding simultaneously high but not unreasonable expectations, to a collaborative and inclusive spirit shared amongst colleagues and team members, the organization's mission and values are reflected not just outwardly but inwardly as well.”
—Staff Member, hired January 2022
Click here for more info on open positions and how to apply!
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It Takes a Village:
WORKING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY
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Thank You KeyBank Volunteers!
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Thank you to Mark and team from KeyBank who recently came to volunteer at our Rockport campus. This makes a huge difference!
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We recently presented KCHC client Dan (pictured below) with a life-changing donated vehicle made possible by Martha & Bruce Meyer!
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Dan is a veteran who has been in KCHC services for a few years. He was previously living under a bridge in a nearby town. With case management support, he has been able to connect to services, address substance and mental health issues, and slowly create a more stable life. He has been able to stay housed for a couple of years. He is a responsible person with a clean driving record and has saved money to maintain his new vehicle.
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Without a car, Dan felt isolated and has had a hard time making medical appointments at Togus. This gift of a car will mean independence and connection to community and nature.
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Please consider a vehicle donation today for a client like Dan and/or help us spread the word. Click here or email cdelorimier@homehelphope.org now for more info on how to make a vehicle donation.
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Staff and youth from The Landing Place helped paint a new mural on the wall at the Good Tern Co-op in Rockland.
Last year, we brought youth and adult case management teams under one roof and added additional youth-focused case workers, bringing us up to three focused on helping 16-24-year-olds break generational patterns of poverty and housing insecurity. We worked with 32 additional youth and young adults in 2022 representing a 146% increase over 2021.
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Thank you to seven-year-old Liam who saved $100 to donate to Knox County Homeless Coalition.
Donations like this help us continue our mission of breaking cycles of poverty and homelessness in Midcoast Maine and we are inspired by Liam's example.
Thank you Liam!
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We are ramping up our volunteer program!
Our next volunteer training event will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 4-5:30 pm.
If you would like to attend and have not yet done so, please fill our out volunteer application form and we will be in touch with more details.
Light refreshments will be served. Come learn about working with people impacted by trauma and ask questions of some of our veteran volunteers!
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Check our Facebook and Instagram every Wednesday for a list of items we are currently seeking for KCHC clients.
Currently, our team is only able to accept donations by appointment. If you are interested in donating new or like-new items to help community members in need please call (207) 593-8151, click here, or email donations@homehelphope.org to schedule a time. Or click here for more info about donating goods and/or services.
Click here if you would like to sign up to receive weekly email alerts containing current Wishlist Wedneday items.
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Lasting Impressions:
INSPIRATION
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If you purchased an Agriculture Specialty Plate last year—you helped support the Friendship Garden at The Landing Place Youth Center—THANK YOU!
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