Janessa, featured above on the right, after years of working with the staff at KCHC recently became one of our first clients to achieve her long-term goal of home ownership.
Photo by Patrisha McLean
Giving thanks for the simplest of gifts.
Home.
Family.
Sharing simple meals together.
Nature, gentle breezes, ocean sparkles, and walks in the out of doors.
Perhaps at no other time in our lives have we all shared a more profound appreciation for the simplest of comforts and sources of peace and safety – things we may have taken for granted in the pre-COVID era. Our homes, simple meals, family, fresh air, and nature are the saving graces of 2020. I hope this message finds you safe and as well as can be as we move into COVID winter together.
I have never been more grateful to be part of this KCHC team and a ‘real community’– one that is kind, generous and cares about all human beings. One that embraces the notion that all people deserve a chance for a home and a hopeful healthy happy life for their children.
2020 has challenged us all beyond measure. Your KCHC team has met the challenges head on. We’ve innovated, pivoted, delivered on our mission despite all the limitations ‘and then some’. We never stopped. We stepped things up a notch so that those we are so committed to — our hard working families — never felt anything but our continued support. Food and critical supplies were delivered by trained social workers who offer support. Creatively designed ‘telehealth’ delivery of services like art therapy began, online mental health support continued without interruption, skill building classes online are in place. Art, activity, and educational supply drops to the kiddos ramped up so they could stay engaged and interested. Continued connectivity to critical agencies, school, and community partners is ongoing. And we continue to do the best we can to meet the increasing need and demand as our economy remains fragile, and vulnerable people find themselves unable to pay rent and keep employment.
As we near Thanksgiving weekend, we all send our wishes for safety and health and plentiful simple joys that bring a smile to you and yours. Thank you for your continued support — needed now perhaps more than ever.
With deepest gratitude,
Steph Primm
Executive Director
It Takes a Village:
SO MUCH OF WHAT WE'RE ABLE TO DO IS BECAUSE OF YOU
Adopt-A-Family 2020 Needs Your Help!
Our Adopt-a-Family Program needs YOU! Read more about the program here.
This year, more than ever before, this program can make a difference and brighten the lives of our struggling neighbors during this difficult time with a little holiday joy. But we still have more than 50 families with children that need to be adopted and the deadline of December 1st to get the gifts in time is fast approaching!
We are currently assisting more than 500 individuals in the Midcoast – nearly half of them children. Help us make this important program a success!
To purchase gifts visit the wishlistnow. For more information and frequently asked questions please visit homehelphope.org/adoptafamily2020. Or click the hereto donate on our website.
With a record number of turkeys needed this holiday for families we work with we are so grateful to Maine-ly Poultry for donating a number of birds. Thank you as well to local Rotarians for donating Thanksgiving food to the Hospitality House Family Shelter and Lonza employees who raised money for additional turkeys and sides. Above, a contactless delivery of tote bags full of savory treats for shelter residents.
Thank you also to Megunticook Market and Cafe Miranda for making prepared meals for those without cooking facilities this holiday and thank you to Nina June for continuing to make dinner for the shelter one night a week.
Our People:
KCHC WELCOMES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Rickey Celentano, Camden
"I am a firm believer in a systemic approach to problem solving and KCHC’s strong advocacy of involving multi-generations in addressing homelessness resonates with me, deeply."
Rickey has lived in Camden for 47 years. Rickey comes to us with extensive experience in the field of Social Work in the Midcoast region.
Leslie Eaton, Rockport
A resident of Maine for over 28 years, Leslie is excited to be joining the board of KCHC. She has served on various boards and committees and has dedicated over twenty years serving on the board of the Teen Center in Camden and the local Penobscot Bay YMCA, where she has acted as Board Chair, CEO Search Chair, and Finance/Audit Committee Chair. Teaching and mentoring nonprofit leaders and boards are a true passion of Leslie's.
Sarah Sheldon, Rockport.
"There is no greater gift you can give someone than to give a sense of home. And that is what KCHC gives physically and emotionally to its clients. I am so proud of be a part of an organization whose mission it is to make people be and feel safe."
Sarah moved to Maine three years ago to marry her husband Greg. She is excited to join KCHC and is looking forward to giving back to the community that has been so welcoming to her.
The Landing Place Opens their Independent Living Program
Last month, we celebrated the official opening of the Independent Living Program at The Landing Place offering supportive transitional housing for young adults — the ONLY shelter solution for this age group in Midcoast Maine. This adds 20% more shelter to the overall offerings at Knox County Homeless Coalition.
Supporting shelter solutions for youth and young adults is a key component of the 4 pillars of programming at The Landing Place.
Now officially open, these studios will be reserved for young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are receiving case management services with us and are in urgent need of safe, reliable, and affordable housing.
Last month marked the official opening of the Independent Living program at The Landing Place, offering supportive transitional housing for young adults. View our COVID-friendly ribbon cutting ceremony from the comfort of your own home.
Recently, one of our clients offered to tell her story—in her own words. To hear firsthand how your donation is helping, please click here. Her story, though heart wrenching, is an all too common example of what our clients have to overcome. Your support for our mission is truly life saving.
We're Hiring!
Knox County Homeless Coalition seeks caring, dedicated, and flexible team members to become a part of our mission-driven organization. If that's you, join us to create, implement, and improve programs to support the most vulnerable members of our community. Benefits include employer-supported health insurance plans, optional dental and vision plans, paid time off, and paid holidays, including your very own birthday as a paid day off (because you deserve it!). Click here for more info.
Give
Whether you are able to participate in Adopt-a-Family or you can stretch with a year-end gift, please know that whatever you are able to do will help your neighbors in need. Rent and home prices are skyrocketing and COVID concerns will only add to the struggles folks are already facing. We anticipate severe challenges for our community as the temperatures drop. Please stand with us as we meet the need.
Zoom In
2:30-5:30 pm
This fall, The Landing Place will be offering Programs that will align with CDC best practice protocols and recommendations from the Governor’s office. The activities are designed for middle and high school age students. See the fall schedule below:
Makers Monday - Weekly at 3:00 pm via Zoom!
Takeout Tuesday - Weekly 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Check-In Chat - Tuesdays at 3:00 pm via Zoom!
Super Skills Thursday - Weekly at 3:00 pm via Zoom!
Visit our website for more info or visit The Landing Place Facebook page here!
Volunteer
Though volunteer opportunities are limited during COVID-19 we are processing volunteer applications weekly. Click here to fill out an interest form and find out what is involved in volunteering. Based on your interests we'll contact you when and as opportunities arise. Just curious? Feel free to use that same form to send questions about volunteering and we'll get back to you promptly.
Lasting Impressions:
HOME HELP AND HOPE COME IN MANY FORMS
Executive Director Steph Primm and Doris Buffett at Hospitality House in 2014
It was with much sadness that we heard the news that Doris Buffett, the generous and kind philanthropist who gave us our financial start, passed away in August here in Rockport at her home.
From our Executive Director, Steph Primm:
"Members of our staff and some of our very first families had the privilege of meeting Doris when she visited the shelter during the Summer of 2014. When she was leaving, one of the children splashed water on her from a kiddie pool as he was attempting to cool off on the hot summer day - Doris loved it, and all the children and moms.
Doris would go on to ask me “What do you need?” and followed that up with an amazing gift that would get us off the ground and start us on our path to doing the right thing for what now number in the hundreds of clients. She used to call me from time to time and ask, “what are the moms doing today?" and, "How are the children?” In recent years Doris' Letters Foundation continued to provide second chances through generous funding for specific client needs.
During times like these, it is so important to remember all the good people in this world - Doris will be missed by so many, and gave new life to thousands simply by being committed to helping others more than herself."
Once again, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday weekend with plentiful simple pleasures. 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 atinfo@homehelphope.org.
