Homeworthy was founded in 2014 as the Knox County Homeless Coalition, a result of a grassroots group that formed to re-imagine how homeless services are delivered in Midcoast Maine. This led to the development of our comprehensive approach to rural homeless services, centered in community, and guided by the belief that positive relationships are fundamental to human development.
A generous donation from the Doris Buffett foundation allowed Homeworthy to re-open the Hospitality House, a family shelter located in a Victorian farmhouse dating from the mid-19th century, with therapeutic ocean views from most rooms.
In 2015, Homeworthy purchased an additional 5 acres of the former dairy farm, including a large barn that currently serves as administrative offices for Homeworthy case managers, and also functions as a supply center with urgent needs items and furniture for clients.
In 2017, The Landing Place youth program launched with the support of private funding and an advisory council to explore best practices in addressing the rise of youth homelessness. The low-barrier drop-in center is located in downtown Rockland, with outreach to three local school districts, and numerous community organizations.
In 2018, Homeworthy formalized its collaboration with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity and Maine State Housing Authority to develop innovative solutions for rural housing.
In recognition of her innovative leadership, former Homeworthy Executive Director, Stephanie Primm, was appointed chair of the Statewide Homeless Council by Governor Janet Mills in 2019 to work at the policy level for upstream solutions to ending homelessness.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, in September 2020 the Transitional Living Program opened its doors with 4 efficiency apartments and supportive services for emancipated minors and young adults 18-21, the only shelter solution for youth in our service area. Additionally, Homeworthy was recognized by Maine Housing Authority as one of the two most efficient shelters in the state for successful transitions to permanent housing and was chosen to pilot a Rapid Rehousing program.
In 2021, the Talbot Ave small footprint housing development received initial permitting from the City of Rockland, and Homeworthy began exploring other collaborative affordable housing projects that will bring additional units of affordable housing to the Midcoast area.
In 2024, we officially changed our agency name from Knox County Homeless Coalition to HOMEWORTHY - where everyone is worthy of a home. Due to the fact that our service area has grown to include not only Knox, but also Waldo and Lincoln County, as well as an expansion of our work past just homeless services into youth support and affordable housing opportunities, it felt appropriate to change the name of our organization to better reflect the work we do and folks we support.