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Dear Friends, There is something grounding about the middle of summer. Many of us find ourselves settling into the rhythms of early mornings and longer days. It's also a season that reminds me to pause and take stock to appreciate the people and moments that sustain Homeworthy’s work. One thing I've been reflecting on lately is the importance of showing up with intention. In this ever changing world, we rarely know exactly what lies ahead. Life has a way of surprising us, and the work of building stronger communities is rarely a straight line. But I've learned that when we anchor ourselves in our values, we often create outcomes far greater than we could have imagined. Meaningful, lasting change is built through consistency. It comes from people who continue to show up with compassion, even when the path forward isn't always clear. That's how trust is built. That's how neighborhoods grow stronger. And that's how organizations like Homeworthy are able to evolve in thoughtful and sustainable ways. This month, we've had the joy of celebrating the opening of Thriftworthy, a project that beautifully reflects what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision. What began as an idea has grown into a vibrant and joyful space through months of dedication and countless hours of work from staff and volunteers. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Caroline, Leslie, Beth, and Deena, whose leadership and tireless efforts helped bring Thriftworthy to life. Their commitment, alongside the many volunteers and supporters who gave their time and talents, has created something truly special. Together you've created a sustainable way for our community to invest in Homeworthy's mission for years to come. As you read this month's newsletter, I hope you'll see the common thread woven throughout these stories. Whether it's an upcoming community gathering, young people finding connection at The Landing Place this summer, or a client moving into her very first home, each story reminds us that meaningful change happens because people choose to show up. Thank you for standing with Homeworthy in the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Your support strengthens Homeworthy’s work every single day, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Sincerely, |
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| Molly Feeney Executive Director, Homeworthy |
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| Celebrating these four amazing women who brought Thriftworthy to life - from left to right: Leslie Eaton, Beth Gerrish, Deena Andersen, and Caroline Morong. |
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Thriftworthy Opening Week Success |
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for Thriftworthy's opening week! We are so grateful to everyone who has stopped by to shop, donate, or simply help spread the word. A special thank you goes to our incredible volunteers, whose countless hours of hard work and dedication transformed this vision into a welcoming community thrift store. Thanks to your amazing support, Thriftworthy generated more than $10,000 during its first week. Every dollar will go directly back into supporting Homeworthy's programs and services across Midcoast Maine.
This incredible start is a testament to what our community can accomplish together, and we're just getting started! If you haven't had a chance to visit yet, we'd love to see you. Thriftworthy is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am-4pm, at 618 West Street in West Rockport, where you can shop for unique finds or drop off donated items! |
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Katharine Cartwright Exhibition Benefitting Homeworthy Coming Up Wednesday, July 22 |
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Mark your calendars! Join us on Wednesday, July 22 at the Craignair Gallery for the opening reception for local artist Katharine Cartwright’s new show, Shell-ter. 100% of the proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to Homeworthy!
The Craignair Gallery is situated inside the beautiful Craignair Inn by the Sea, located at 5 3rd St in Spruce Head. Come enjoy ocean views, live music, tasty refreshments and stunning works for sale! |
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Join us at Hope Day on Saturday, July 25! |
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We're grateful to once again be a beneficiary of Hope Day, a beloved community celebration in the Town of Hope. The day is packed with fun for all ages, including a 5K race, parade, local market, kids' activities, live music, a BBQ dinner, and so much more.
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit Homeworthy, helping support our work alongside the many individuals and families we serve throughout Midcoast Maine. We hope you'll join the festivities and celebrate the power of community! |
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Thank you to the Maine Association of REALTORS for their generous $10,000 grant in support of Homeworthy's Firefly Field neighborhood in Rockland! On June 23, Maine Association of Realtors Director Mary Bumiller presented the grant to Homeworthy Development Systems Manager Morgan Starr. These funds will help support the affordable housing units at Firefly Field, strengthening our community's housing safety net. |
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A heartfelt thank you to the Rockland Rotary Club for awarding Homeworthy one of four $750 community grants! We are incredibly grateful for their investment in our mission and their continued commitment to strengthening our community. Director of Social Services Shannon Shimer and Director of Development Chrys deLorimier were honored to accept the grant on Homeworthy's behalf on July 1. |
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Gift Acknowledgments Update |
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Have you made a gift recently? Didn't see a tax acknowledgement? We are now emailing acknowledgements as our default, but we would be happy to mail you a paper copy — please contact us at donations@homeworthy.org or you can update your preferences at the link below. Thanks for your support! |
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The Landing Place Summer Activities! |
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The Landing Place has an exciting lineup of free summer activities for local youth, running now through August 28. From off-site adventures and backyard chill clubs to creative programs and drop-in hours, there's something happening all season long.
The Landing Place's low-barrier drop-in center is also open throughout the week, offering a safe, welcoming space with free Wi-Fi, snacks, showers, laundry, art supplies, hygiene products, mentorship, and more. |
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We're especially excited about our free Movie Makers Camp, taking place July 20–30, where participants will work to create their very own original short film. No experience is needed, just imagination! Lunch and snacks are provided each day, and transportation is available to Rockland and Thomaston.
Know a young person who might be interested? Please help us spread the word! To learn more or register for Movie Makers Camp, contact Natasha Barnett at nbarnett@homeworthy.org or 207-691-4051. |
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| Client Spotlight: Kiarah’s Journey Home |
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When Kiarah first connected with Homeworthy in 2014, she was just a child. Her family stayed at Hospitality House during a difficult period of homelessness, marking the beginning of a relationship with Homeworthy that would continue for more than a decade. |
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Like many families experiencing housing instability, Kiarah's journey wasn't a straight path. Today, we're thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone: Kiarah has been selected to be a homeowner with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, and will soon be moving into her new home. We recently sat down with Kiarah to reflect on her journey, the people who supported her along the way, and what home means to her.
Q: Let's start at the beginning. Can you tell me a little about your journey and what brought you to Homeworthy? Kiarah: My family stayed at Hospitality House back in 2014 when I was a kid. It was definitely an adjustment. Sharing spaces with other families and living so close together was difficult. We were only there for a few months before leaving, but after that we bounced around between friends' houses, family members, and other places to stay. We spent a lot of those years living at the Travelers Motel in Warren.
Q: What kinds of support did you receive over the years, and were there any people who had a particularly meaningful impact on your journey? Kiarah: Bill was my mom's first case manager, and he helped my brother and me get into summer camps, which meant a lot growing up. Later, when I was in high school, I started working with my own case manager, Molly. Right before I graduated in 2023, I moved into The Landing Place transitional apartments. I lived there for about two and a half years while I worked and saved money. Molly and Rachael, who managed the apartments, were always there to help keep me on track. They'd print out weekly to-do lists, check in with me, and encourage me. At the same time, I was constantly searching for housing, filling out applications, and going to apartment showings. It took a lot of persistence.
Q: How did you go from living in The Landing Place apartments to becoming a Habitat homeowner? Kiarah: After living in the apartments for two and a half years, I moved in with a friend, and we've been roommates for the past several months. As soon as the Habitat opportunity became available, I applied. I was approved in February 2026. It felt like something I had worked really hard for, and I knew I wanted to take that opportunity.
Q: What are you most excited about? Kiarah: I've always wanted a house that I could call my own, a place where I can pack lunches for my future kids, come home after work, and just relax. Knowing it's mine, and that there's no fear of it being taken away, means everything. I'm also excited to decorate for the first time and really take my time making it feel like home.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who may be in a similar situation today? Kiarah: Be open to new experiences. Work hard for what you want, even when it takes time. Don't be afraid to ask for support and use the people around you. They really do want to help. Being active in the community has also helped me make connections and feel like I truly belong. |
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| As always, if you or someone you know and love needs assistance and is experiencing homelessness — please reach out to Homeworthy at 207-593-8151 or email us at info@homeworthy.org. |
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