Newsletter: April 2023

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Hi Friends, As a board member of Knox County Homeless Coalition (KCHC) since 2014 I've had a while to reflect on why I remain involved in this organization.   “This is what fuels my dedication and belief in the mission of our programming.” KCHC recognizes that each human is an individual worthy of dignity and respect, regardless of circumstances. Our programs work to meet each person where they are, offering a hand up as they work to become the best version of themselves. This is hardly ever easy, with roadblocks at every turn, but we have persevered where many have quit. For example, when the KCHC team realized that people waiting for services were overwhelmed, they created “urgent needs coordination”, a position that provides assistance even before case management and goal setting can occur—such a simple but great idea! We aren’t afraid to innovate to meet the needs of our clients and our community. Years ago when we saw a gap in transportation services for those trying to get to work and daycare, we began shuttling people in our van. When there was a need for programming specific to youth, we stepped in to fill the gap. The transitional apartments we created for young adults further exemplify how we pivot to serve those who need a hand in our community. We don’t judge—rather we have realistic expectations, rules, and programs that grow to help our clients succeed. The fact that our youth programming and our shelter continued to operate safely during the COVID pandemic just shows that we can pivot to meet needs as required. I think my favorite program, however, is our Aftercare Program, showcasing our commitment to providing individualized support to our clients after they've found housing until they are ready to be on their own. Without it, so many families would be back on the streets or in their cars or couch surfing. I believe we can eventually transition to a preventative approach to stop homelessness before it occurs. It will take a lot of effort but I think with your support KCHC and our community are up to the task.  Karen Pier Treasurer, Knox County Homeless Coalition The 2022 Midcoast Community Impact Report is Now Available Over nearly a decade, the number of households we serve annually has risen by a staggering 642%.  KCHC’s team of 66 serves close to 900 individuals annually, including families and youth. Direct service now includes urgent needs support, case management for youth and adults, shelter, transitional housing, affordable housing; youth outreach, enrichment, and support; as well as transportation services, furniture and household goods, and client education.   Learn More 106 individuals found housing in 2022—51% more than 2021                                             Folks moving out of the Midcoast area to find housing was up 71% 4,114 nights of safe shelter provided at Hospitality House                                                           1,885 days of transitional housing delivered for local youth In 2022, there were 420,158 households in Maine unable to afford the median home price of $334,000. This represents almost 75% of the households in our state. See How KCHC Responded Doing it Differently: LIVES TRANSFORMED After being in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship for years with her children's father, Zaria decided it was time for a change. She was forced to quit a job she loved after six years of employment when her ex-partner used their vehicle as a tool to control her movements. For a short time after the breakup she moved in with his family—a decision that was not sustainable. Zaria decided it was time to forge her own path as a single mom. With the help of KCHC’s Case Management program, Zaria was able to secure a subsidized housing rental unit locally. She and her case manager worked together to identify local funding resources to fix her personal vehicle, allowing her to pursue stable employment again. She applied for and was awarded temporary assistance to support her children while looking for a job. Zaria is learning how to budget her finances with a personal bank account that she controls, while pursuing therapy to help her process the past decade of her life so she can be the best mom to her kids. She has worked hard to experience the independence that she now has.   Read More Client Success Stories Our People: WELCOME TO THE TEAM Tonie Vita, Case Manager Mike Kozubal, Driver We are very happy to welcome Mark Bergelin to our Finance Committee! Mark is the Branch Manager for KeyBank in Rockland. Mark is a Rotarian and a founding member of the West Bay Sunset Satellite Club and currently sits on 3 boards as Treasurer in Belfast: Our Town Belfast, Maine Youth Alliance, and The Game Loft Community Advisory Board.  Welcome Mark! Read More About Our Programs It Takes a Village: WORKING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY What's Worth Fighting For? Students at the Camden Rockport Middle School recently hosted 9 community organizations to share about what they're doing and how they're advocating for change. We were fortunate enough to be there with many friends in social justice and were able to engage the youth in thinking about advocating for affordable housing, and dispelling myths about what it means to experience homelessness.  Pictured: Chrys Delorimier, KCHC Donor Relations Specialist  Tax Season Once again this spring, a local tax preparer, volunteer, and community member named Dave helped to take the trauma out of taxes for KCHC clients. He offered different solutions for those with or without transportation, worked around their schedules, and prepared sample forms and checklists, helping to prepare 44 tax returns so far this year, putting $55k back in the pockets of our clients and the local economy.  Dave's thoughtful approach allows clients to preview the information that might be needed with their case managers prior to working through the actual forms and to feel more confident at their meeting.   "The clients that I have met and talked with have impressed me with their sincerity and desire to work to attain self-sufficiency. And the case workers have been great in being advocates for their clients" Click Here To Support KCHC Now Get Involved: JOIN US Upgrading your ride? Donate your old one! We are looking for 3 cars with at least 2 years of life left in them this month—Do you know someone who could help? Transportation is a serious barrier to nearly all adult clients on intake. Jump start the success of one of our families allowing them to get or maintain a job. Transportation was listed as a barrier to nearly all adult clients on intake last year. A working vehicle can make the difference between keeping or losing a job, attending or missing medical appointments, getting to the pharmacy, accessing child-care, supporting elderly parents, as well as keeping social connections and shopping for food and diapers or hygiene and cleaning supplies. This is especially true in the rural areas we serve. Please consider a vehicle donation today and/or help us spread the word. Click here or email cdelorimier@homehelphope.org now for more info on how to make a donation. Volunteer With Us! We are ramping up our volunteer program in time for summer!    Our next volunteer training event will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 5-7 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! The Landing Place Located in the heart of downtown Rockland, The Landing Place youth center supports highly resilient and often marginalized youth living in Midcoast Maine. For more information about the current schedule visit the TLP page on our website, call 207-466-9285, or email info@thelandingplaceme.org. We Are Hiring! Overnight Shelter Support Staff (12am to 8am) Shelter Support Staff (Per Diem) Click here for more info. Wishlist Wednesday 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 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. Lasting Impressions: YOU MATTER! The artwork above was created by one of our young people at The Landing Place. One of the most common things our Urgent Needs Coordinator hears from new clientele is that they finally feel heard, seen, and respected, sometimes for the first time. Thank you for your support! As always, if you or someone you know and love needs assistance and is experiencing homelessness—please reach out to KCHC at 207-593-8151 or email us at info@homehelphope.org.