Innovations in Affordable Housing
The housing crisis in the Midcoast didn't happen overnight; for a decade now, home sales have been outstripping median income. Today, 75% of renter households in Rockland cannot afford the median rent. In Knox County as of 2021 you need to earn in excess of $88,000 annually to afford the median priced home. That's why KCHC is collaborating with partners to create affordable housing opportunities in the Midcoast. We are currently working with private and public partners to bring truly affordable housing to the Midcoast area.
Firefly Field on Talbot Avenue in Rockland, Maine will be a first-of-its-kind affordable housing community in rural Maine. Located within walking distance of shops, schools, and services in downtown Rockland, the neighborhood will have 13 housing units that will provide as many as 40 people—children, families, single adults, and the elderly—with a place to call home.
The Knox County Homeless Coalition (KCHC), Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, and Maine State Housing Authority have teamed up to create this intentional community. It is being financed through the generosity of public and private donors. Thanks to the combination of a small footprint design, the Habitat volunteer construction model, and panels built by trade students at the Maine State Prison, the cost of this building project is significantly less than traditional construction. This makes the homes truly affordable for the majority of individuals working in our community and represents a powerful investment for donors.
When complete, Firefly Field will include six cottages, two duplexes with multi-bedroom apartments, and three Habitat homes. There will be both rental and home ownership options with equity building opportunities, allowing individuals and families to prosper along the path to sustainable independence. The rental residents will be supported by KCHC’s compassionate client care team, and the homeowners will purchase their houses through Midcoast Habitat for Humanity. All residents will have access to vocational, health and wellness, and skill-building resources, and everyone will benefit from Rockland’s existing transportation infrastructure. Firefly Field aims to encourage community engagement and foster connection, as well as an appreciation for nature. More than 50% of the 10 acre property will be preserved as green space.
Firefly Field represents an opportunity to not only provide supported and workforce housing but to serve a diverse demographic, fostering personal growth and strong communities. This innovative, collaborative project is being documented so it can serve as a model for other rural communities across Maine and the U.S. that are looking for affordable and sustainable solutions.
Warren Street: This rental property in Rockland includes two 3-bedroom apartments, which are in very short supply in the Rockland rental market. Through a private-public partnership, we have acquired this property, which we will rent directly to tenants, providing supportive services, including rental education and financial literacy, to ease the transition into the rental market.
Coming Together to Solve Maine’s Housing Crisis
Click the buttons below to watch the 3-part special report on Maine’s Housing Crisis by Joy Hollowell featuring KCHC below. This special report aired on WABI5 TV in March 2022.