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| Dear friends of Homeworthy, March has come and nearly gone, but not without a clear reminder that spring does not arrive with an “on switch.” The truth is, much of what we do is in absence of any kind of switch board, yet we remain nimble, and adjust. When spring snowstorms hit (and blanket the early tulips), our team mobilizes. Swiftly checking in on our unsheltered neighbors, and ensuring that our families who are hanging on by a thread in unaffordable rentals have enough heat and salt to get through one more storm. While the needs of our neighbors remain abundant, we are also intentional to pause and embrace the light we see around us. Celebrating a mom of four who is stably housed, and recently wrote to us sharing that she is excited to have finally found her community, and that she’s currently attending school to become a Case Worker ( ). Achieving lasting stability is not an easy feat, especially in a world that has a way of surprising us with unpredictable obstacles, but regardless of how difficult the journey can get—we remind our neighbors that there is always reason to hope. Throughout the last few months, I have had the privilege of working with statewide shelter colleagues on legislation that would increase support for shelter operations by $5 million annually, a funding stream that has been flat funded for 9 years. LD 698 would increase the state's contribution from $7 to $19 per night, which helps to subsidize the current average $102 per-night cost of operating a shelter bed in Maine. |
|  | Statewide shelter leadership collaborative working on LD698 |
| It is our hope that this work will help to keep doors and beds open to our already lean shelter programs. As you can see with this funding example, sustaining the expenses of life-saving and essential programs is a heavy lift. We feel so fortunate to be situated in a community that is both attuned and committed to meeting our neighbor’s needs together, but we must remain vigilant. So as we wait patiently for the full arrival of warmer temperatures, longer days, and the return of green grass—let’s embrace how far we have come together, and think about these simple, yet wise words recently expressed by a Homeworthy client: “thank you for always believing in me.” And thank YOU, for believing in us. With gratitude, |
|  | Molly Feeney Executive Director, Homeworthy |
| | | |  | You’re invited: Saturday, March 29 from 3-6PM at Pascal Hall for the Sustainable Housing Fair hosted by the Midcoast Villager! Learn from businesses and organizations that design, build, finance, and support housing solutions.
Admission is free, with food and drink available for purchase from American Flatbread Rockport. Stick around for the panel discussion from 4-5PM, featuring Homeworthy Executive Director Molly Feeney. |
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|  | Brave the cold and make a difference! Join us for the Polar Plunge, hosted by the Pen Bay Council of Midcoast Realtors, an exciting and chilly fundraiser in support of Homeworthy and Midcoast Habitat for Humanity.
Date: Sunday, March 30 at 2PM
Location: Lincolnville Beach
Goal: Raise $5,000 for affordable housing needs
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| | | | Maine's homeless shelters are at a breaking point, grappling with high demand and stagnant state funding. Advocates are urging lawmakers to approve an increase to the Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance Program, which has remained flat since 2016. Dive into the full article to understand the challenges faced by Maine's shelters and the proposed solutions. |
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| Check out this story from NEWS CENTER Maine and hear from shelter leaders including Tedford Housing Executive Director Andrew Lardie and Homeworthy Executive Director, Molly Feeney on why LD 698 is so important to keeping shelters open in Maine. |
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| | Children facing housing instability are at higher risk for health issues, emotional challenges, and falling behind in school. Frequent moves and poor housing conditions can impact their development for years to come. Homeworthy/The Landing Place have touch points with over 500 youth in our community, from children living in the shelter, to youth in case management, as well as students attending the Drop-In Center. We work to support youth through all kinds of difficult circumstances. |
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| | | Earlier this month, Haley Blake, Grace Westbrook, and Arden Kondracki dropped off a massive amount of wishlist items at The Landing Place, including new sleeping bags, sleeping pads, portable charging banks, warm coats and new fleece blankets as part of the SkillsUSA competition through Mid-Coast School of Technology. Thank you so much! |
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| Each week, the team from Nina June in Rockport prepare a delicious meal for guests staying at the Hospitality House Family Shelter. This tradition began during COVID in 2020, when the team at Nina June was looking for ways to give back to the community. When we spoke to the team, they said they continue this tradition today because it feels good to give back in a real, tangible way each week. |
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| | The Tula Institute Yoga Teacher Training Program recently completed their “Karma Project” by hosting a donation drive where they hygiene products at multiple yoga studios and other community hotspots throughout Camden, Rockport, and Rockland. Together, they collected over ten boxes worth of hygiene products that will be FREE for youth at The Landing Place to take home with them! Thank you for choosing to support TLP through this project! |
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| | The Landing Place & RSU 13 Youth Alliance Celebrate Pi(e) Day |
| | | Thank You for an Incredible Pi(e) Day Celebration!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Flanagan Center on March 14 to celebrate Pi(e) Day with The Landing Place and the RSU 13 Youth Alliance!
The front lobby was alive with energy, featuring pop-up tables filled with resources, delicious pies from Youth Alliance agencies, and a spirit of collaboration that made the event extra special.
In the art room, creativity was in full swing as our youngest participants dove into fun and engaging activities. Meanwhile, the gym was electric with music from the one and only DJ Sam Lothrop, setting the perfect vibe for our annual pie-themed obstacle course—complete with big smiles, lots of laughter, and a few well-earned awards!
A special shoutout to:
🎉 Donald Prescott for graciously hosting us at The Flanagan Center!
🎨 Alexis Iammarino for sharing her art space and supplies!
🎧 Sam Lothrop for bringing the beats and making the day unforgettable!
🙌 And to all our Youth Alliance members who showed up, pitched in, and made this celebration one to remember—you are what makes our community so strong!
We’re already looking forward to next year’s festivities! 🥧 |
| | | Staff Member Spotlight: Dara Hurt |
| Dara has been a member of the Homeworthy team for the past three years. She began her time here as the Assistant Shelter Manager, but eventually transitioned into her current role as Urgent Needs Coordinator - a perfect fit for her, as she is so embedded in the Midcoast community. We chatted with Dara to learn more about why she chooses to come to work at Homeworthy every day. |
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| Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job, and working with Homeworthy in general? Where do I start?! I love serving my community. It has always been important to me that I spend my life's work doing something that is helpful to others. Knowing that the need is so great for so many of my neighbors, I feel a real sense of obligation to help where I can. Sometimes all I can do is listen, but I think that when people are in horrible situations, an empathetic listening ear can be a comforting thing, at least I hope so.
I couldn't possibly ask for a better agency to work with. Everyone in this organization shows up with deep compassion for the people we serve, and real respect and support for everyone on this team. I've worked in my share of other places, and I have never experienced the level of mutual care, support and respect that is the lifeblood of Homeworthy.
Q: What’s something you wish the general public knew/understood more about this work and rural homelessness? I wish that the public understood the real reasons for homelessness are so often things that are very much beyond the control of the people involved. I have spoken to so many people who have been good tenants in their homes for years, but the owners sell and the new owners often double or triple their rents. The wages in the Midcoast area don't support the huge increases in rental prices.
More than a few are elderly trying to survive on Social Security, and working families with children. Often people are already working two or three jobs trying to make ends meet. Sometimes all it takes is a major car repair bill or some other kind of problem to propel people into a downward spiral. The resources that have been available to help people in the not-so-distant past are either completely gone or drying up very quickly. The situation is very dire and it isn't looking like it is going to improve anytime soon.
Every human being is worthy of a home and compassion and assistance.
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| | We’re so thankful to you, our community. |
| 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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