 |  | Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future
A decade ago, our community rallied together to answer a call, and the impact we’e made since then is nothing short of incredible. Today, it has grown into a mission that serves over 1,000 individuals every single day.
As we embark on this new journey around the sun, thoughts of renewal and change are at the forefront of our minds. At KCHC, we are thankful for the remarkable leadership, courage, persistence, and bold dreams provided by our founding Executive Director, Stephanie Primm. As Steph begins her well-deserved retirement, we pledge to carry forward her brave vision for our organization and community. Every day, we will be guided by Steph’s enduring words: “we simply do the right thing.”
I had the privilege of joining the KCHC team six years ago. Today, I stand humbled and grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Interim Executive Director. I am particularly excited to serve alongside our skilled and dedicated team while collaborating with numerous community members and providers. Over the years, the landscape of needs has evolved, but the spirit of our community has remained steadfast, even deepening its commitment.
As we set out to achieve our goals for the upcoming year, it is crucial to acknowledge the genuine needs of our neighbors. We must strive for affordable and accessible housing for all. Everyone is worthy of access to essentials such as food, shelter, heat, water, low-barrier transportation, medical care, and healthy connections. We must also recognize that one size does not fit all.
Our community sets an inspiring example with its willingness to stand together and support one another. Let’s continue to think creatively and boldly as we cultivate new solutions. Let’s celebrate the incredible work that has already been accomplished while remaining energized and determined for what lies ahead.
Together, we have the power to create positive change, to uplift those in need, and to continue building a more compassionate and inclusive community. The past decade has shown us what we are capable of when we come together, and the future holds even greater potential. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next ten years of making a difference, one life at a time. |
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 | | Our People:NEW BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | | | Rachel M. McCleary, Camden. Rachel is Lecturer, Economics Department, Harvard University and Visiting Professor, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala. Rachel holds a doctorate in moral philosophy from the University of Chicago and a Master of Theological Studies from Emory University. Rachel has served on numerous nonprofit boards, academic advisory committees, and journal editorial boards. Rachel grew up in Latin America and says she will always be a Latina at heart. She is an enthusiastic traveler seeking out cultural experiences in the United States and abroad. She and her husband live between Camden and Cambridge, MA. |
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| Charles White, Rockport. Charles is an experienced financial advisor with 16 years in the industry. He held prominent roles at established institutions before founding and leading a successful practice, Bayview Financial Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. He has a proven record of delivering tailored financial solutions, managing endowments for nonprofits, and actively contributing to community service. He holds multiple industry certifications and is licensed in 28 states. Charles is an accomplished public speaker, fundraiser, and board member for various community organizations. |
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| | Jill Delano, Camden. A broker at Camden Real Estate Company for over a decade, Jill is dedicated to ensuring that our community is a place where we can all live and thrive, together. She has a degree in architecture from Wellesley College, received a certificate in Nonprofit Management from UMaine, owned a local home design and construction company, and continues coursework relating to housing policy and real estate. Committed to community service, Jill recently served 12 years on the Penobscot Bay YMCA Board, including a term as board chair, currently co-chairs the Town of Camden Budget Committee, and sits on the committee of her local Board of REALTORS® tasked with raising funds for affordable housing. |
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Doing it Differently:SHELTERING YOUTH AND FAMILIES | "Hospitality House is different from other shelters because we provide stability, allowing residents to focus on their housing and health. Many shelters require people to leave during the day with no guarantee of a bed when they return. This almost always causes undue stress, anxiety, and insecurity. Here, residents get to move into a space they can call their own, giving them a sense of security and removing the stress of not knowing where they are going to eat or sleep each night." —Shannon Roche, Shelter Manager |
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| | Recently, our free mental health therapy program has helped two moms staying at our family shelter surmount parenting hurdles. The positive impact this has created will cascade to future generations. Your support can help us continue this life-changing work. |
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| | Transforming the lives of local youth. 4 studio apartments located in the heart of Rockland are available to young people between the ages of 18 and 22. They provide safe, reliable, and affordable places to call home. Here youth work on a self-driven plan that includes employment or education goals, as well as transitioning out of the program. Youth practice budgeting and saving by paying a portion of their income into the program. Upon graduating they receiving back half of what they paid in. Many have gone on to use this equity to fund a security deposit, a car, or college tuition. This program fills a need for local youth transitioning into adulthood. It gives them a solid foundation to avoid pitfalls that can derail young people starting out. |
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| Your Support Saves Lives. Private donations make up almost 65% of our total operating budget. | |
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| It Takes a Village:COMING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY |  | | Sandy Point Congregational Church Sunday School youth raised funds for and donated 23 sleeping bags. Pictured above, the youth responsible for the project present the sleeping bags to interim Executive Director Molly Feeney. Bottom left: Will, Project Manager Emily, and Bella at their collection site. Bottom right: the congregation and Pastor Steve participate in a “Blessing of the Bags” before delivering them to KCHC. | |  | We recently hosted our 2nd collaborative mobile dental clinic with Mainely Teeth. Owner and hygienist, Amber, tackled some really challenging dental issues for our clients. Because of the complexity of issues she was not able to see as many patients as she had hoped, so she’ll be back for one day dental clinics in March, April, and May! | |
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 | Rockland branch employees at The First National Bank raise more than $580 through their “Casual For A Cause” program. Accepting the “big check” is Chief Development Officer Becca Gildred. Funds are to be used to support KCHC’s youth center, The Landing Place. |
|  | TEKsystems donated more than 100 lunch boxes each containing macaroni and cheese & spaghetti and sauce. These will go to Midcoast families to help fight food insecurity one meal at a time. |
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|  | Nativity Lutheran Donated Proceeds from Harvest Fest. Here, board member Tom Amory receives a donation from Nativity Lutheran Harvest Festival organizers. Nativity Lutheran’s congregation also took up a collection at Thanksgiving for KCHC. Thank you all for your continued support of our work and mission! |
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| Get Involved:IN OUR MISSION TO END POVERTY & HOMELESSNESS | 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. | Click here for more info! | |
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| | | 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. | |
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| |  | March 23 | April 13 | May 18 Welcome Cocktails begin at 6pm with dinner at 6:30pm. All dinners are $150 for 4-courses, inclusive of cocktail and wine pairings. Tickets may be purchased by calling 207.230.8270 or emailing liz@ewaleshospitality.com, Tickets may be transferred, but are non-refundable. Ticket price does not include gratuity. Gratuity may be added at time of ticket purchase or the evening of. Dinners held at Blue Spoon: 5 Country Way, Rockport Proceeds from the events go to Knox County Homeless Coalition Click here for more info. |
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| |  | Check our Facebook and Instagram pages 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. | | Lasting Impressions:LIFE CHANGING POWER OF A CAR | | Tom Kennon and Sandra Klein, with warm smiles, generously donate their Volvo to KCHC. On the flip side, Amanda and her little boy give two thumbs up as they receive one of the donated vehicles. This thoughtful act paves the way for Amanda to keep pursuing her education. |
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| 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.
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