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Dear Friends, Across Maine, we are watching programs, providers, and long-standing supports crumble under the weight of shifting federal policies and shrinking resources. Systems that once offered clear pathways to stability are now under threat. In many ways, we are “un-solving” challenges we’ve made real progress on, and the consequences are already being felt by families and communities statewide. Here at Homeworthy, we feel that pressure every day. The fear surrounding permanent housing cuts, the uncertainty of shelter funding, and the strain on already overburdened systems weigh heavily on the people we serve and the staff who walk alongside them. This is a moment in time when your support matters more than ever. Private funding and philanthropy are not simply helpful in this environment, they are the difference between keeping a program open and having to let it go. They are what allows us to respond quickly, stabilize families in crisis, maintain trusted relationships, and keep our doors open when public systems fall short. To the extent that we can push back against harmful changes, we must, and we can only do that with a strong community beside us. And that community is you. In the face of uncertainty, we are held up every single day by the village that surrounds Homeworthy. Neighbors who show up, give generously, advocate fiercely, and care deeply. You create the safety net that so many families depend on; the one that allows healing, recovery, and opportunity to take root. We’re not going anywhere. As long as we continue to do this work together, Homeworthy will remain a place where families find stability, young people can find hope, and our community can take care of its own. |
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As we enter a season that invites reflection and connection, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for your belief in this work, for your partnership, and for the way this community continually shows what it means to take care of one another like family. With deep appreciation, |
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| Molly Feeney Executive Director, Homeworthy |
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| From our family to yours: thank you! Olive (my daughter) |
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| | Join us at the Warm Hearts Gala! |
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| We’re so excited to invite you to the inaugural Warm Hearts Gala coming up on Friday, December 5 at the Elk’s Lodge in Rockland! Tickets are just $25. Every dollar raised will directly support Homeworthy’s heating assistance fund, which provides safe heat sources and fuel for unhoused families living in RVs, tents and vehicles this winter — folks who do not qualify for traditional heating assistance like LIHEAP, because of they are unhoused. Last year, Homeworthy helped 41 client households stay warm through this fund.
Put on your favorite “Maine formal” attire and get ready for an evening of dancing, connection, and giving back. This year’s gala will feature live music as well as a DJ, a cash bar and delicious appetizers, and a silent and live auction filled with incredible local items and experiences. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! |
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Don’t miss this powerful opinion piece by our Executive Director, Molly Feeney, published in the Portland Press Herald. In the article titled “Maine’s shelter system must be sustained”, Molly underscores the urgent risks facing our state’s shelter and housing infrastructure —and makes a passionate call for collective action so that programs like ours can keep their doors open. |
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Homeworthy is opening a thrift store!
We’re thrilled to announce Thriftworthy, Homeworthy’s new volunteer-run thrift store, opening in our donated building at 618 West St in February 2026. The shop will offer affordable clothing and household items to the community, while also giving Homeworthy clients low- or no-cost access to essentials as they work toward stability. |
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| Operated by volunteers, Thriftworthy will create new ways for our community to get involved. All proceeds will directly support Homeworthy’s programs, from case management and prevention to youth services and the family shelter. The Midcoast Villager stopped by this week to check out the space as it comes along! |
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| | | Check Out Our Annual Appeal Short Film |
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We invite you to watch our 2025 Annual Appeal short film, now live on our website. This special piece captures the heart of Homeworthy’s mission, the real stories of those we serve, and the power of community to create change.
In the video, you’ll hear from Executive Director Molly Feeney, who speaks candidly about the housing pressures our region is facing and how donor support is allowing us to push back and move forward. Thank you for being part of the village that makes all of this possible.
This year, every gift made during our appeal will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000, doubling your impact for families across Midcoast Maine. |
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| Cheers to the First Ever Rising Tide Story Sharing Supper! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Rising Tide Story Sharing Supper hosted at the Steel House earlier this month! Endless gratitude to Community Plate for pulling this event together and the Fostering Community Conversations group for bringing the event to our area. The Landing Place Director Joseph Hufnagel was one of the evening’s featured speakers, and it was incredibly special to be in a room full of folks who see the value in the work that The Landing Place and Homeworthy do. |
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| | Socktober Success!
A huge shoutout to our friends at Quarry Hill/Unidine! Earlier this month, they dropped off 151 brand-new pairs of warm socks for our Urgent Needs program as part of their “Socktober” drive. Community support like this helps keep our neighbors warm and cared for. Thank you for choosing to highlight Homeworthy!  |
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| | The Landing Place Halloween Party! |
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| | | The Landing Place was buzzing with energy at this year’s Halloween Party, put together by our incredible partners at the RSU 13 Youth Alliance.
Youth enjoyed face painting, pumpkin decorating, make-up and costume design stations, fortune telling, donut-eating contests, FREE STORE shopping, and an impressive spread featuring pizza, chicken fingers, tater tots, homemade desserts, and hot chocolate simmering on the stove. The party also featured a popcorn machine, a photo booth, spooky soundtrack vibes, an outdoor DJ, and a lively costume contest, complete with awards!
The Landing Place is incredibly grateful to be part of the Youth Alliance. Events like this remind us how powerful it is when our community comes together to create joyful, uplifting memories for local youth. |
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| | In Case You Missed It: Turn Your Retirement Distribution Into Hope |
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Each year, many community members are required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their retirement accounts. If that’s you, there’s a way to make that distribution work for good: by directing it straight to Homeworthy as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
This kind of gift allows you to support your neighbors while reducing your taxable income. When you give through your IRA, your donation goes directly to Homeworthy, helping provide safe housing, case management, and programming for local youth. |
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Here’s how to do it: Contact your IRA custodian and request a direct transfer to Homeworthy. Make sure it’s completed by December 31, so it counts for this year. Let us know so we can thank you and provide documentation.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps strengthen our community and offer stability where it’s needed most. If you’d like to learn more, talk with your financial advisor or reach out to Chrys deLorimier at cdelorimier@homeworthy.org.
Homeworthy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 46-3136785 |
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| | | We’re so thankful to you, our community. |
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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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