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Hi Friends, Thank you for taking the time to stay connected to this work and our amazing community. October is an important month, one that provides us deeply important reminders and reflects just how fragile life can be. As we lift up important causes like breast cancer awareness and the terrifying dangers of domestic violence, we also must acknowledge the devastating impacts these unwelcome realities have in far too many lives. Homeworthy faces unexpected shifts with families on a daily basis. From overwhelming healthcare diagnoses, to sudden and devastating cuts in food supplements; we witness how quickly circumstances can “tip the scales”. When that happens, we respond. We establish key partners to ensure families are supported and connected in their time of need, and we get to work finding solutions together. This time of year also reminds me that feeling prepared for the future can seem impossible when families are just trying to meet their most basic needs. As many of us focus on wrapping up the final quarter of 2025, I encourage you to consider how you might make life a little easier for those living day to day. In this newsletter, you’ll find information about donating through a Qualified Charitable Distribution. You can also support local families by following our Wishlist Wednesday posts, volunteering, or joining us at an upcoming event. However you choose to show up… thank you. Finally, I want to express gratitude to our incredible community partners who also continue to show up for our neighbors, because this work is not done in silos - it demands a village. There are too many to name here, but I want to highlight a few. Our friends at AIO Food and Energy consistently provide essential support as many families face reduced grocery benefits. And to New Hope Midcoast and Finding Our Voices, thank you for your tireless advocacy for those impacted by domestic violence. This month and every month, we stand with you. I hope every reader can feel the gratitude that we hold for each of you… thank you for choosing to be on this journey with us.
Sincerely, |
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Molly Feeney Executive Director, Homeworthy |
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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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Homeworthy is gifted two buildings, one in Rockland, the other in Rockport
Homeworthy recently received the extraordinary gift of two buildings, one in Rockport and one in Rockland, thanks to the generosity of community supporters. The Rockport property, located at 618 West Street, will become the new home for Homeworthy’s administrative and client service operations, providing much-needed space for the growing team while allowing the organization’s family shelter on Old County Road to continue its vital work uninterrupted. |
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In Rockland, Homeworthy was gifted 77 Park Street through a bequest made in memory of Joel Goode, honoring his commitment to equity and youth. This building will serve The Landing Place, Homeworthy’s youth services program, offering space for uninterrupted programming during renovations and creating room for future expansion. |
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The Landing Place wins “Power of the Positive” Award from Maine Youth Thriving
On Friday, October 10, The Landing Place Director Joseph Hufnagel, Assistant Director Emily Carver, and Homeworthy Executive Director Molly Feeney accepted an award on behalf of The Landing Place in the “Positive Youth Environments” category! |
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We are incredibly grateful to those of you who voted for us to win this award — it is so wonderful to see The Landing Place’s work celebrated in this way. Sending a special thanks to the many youth who choose The Landing Place as their space, and to the incredible team who shows up everyday. |
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Check Out This Podcast Featuring Our Team! |
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We’re thrilled to share that our Executive Director, Molly Feeney, and The Landing Place Director, Joseph Hufnagel, recently joined Don Carpenter as guests on his podcast Meditations on Leadership. Don, who has long been a supporter of Homeworthy and was one of the original thought‐leaders behind The Landing Place, leads conversations that dig deep into what it means to lead from within. |
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Joseph is episode three, and Molly is episode six - both conversations are informative and illuminating on the work that Homeworthy and The Landing Place do, as well as how leadership styles inform ones values in action. If you’re interested in hearing more, we encourage you to give these episodes a listen. |
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Thank You, UMC!
Last month, United Midcoast Charities awarded Homeworthy $25,000 to support our programs! We are deeply grateful to UMC’s board and staff for raising these funds and for their commitment to strengthening not only Homeworthy, but also our partner organizations. Together, we’re working to help local families build safety and stability. Thank you, UMC! |
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| Joan Herzog Shoutout
Camden resident and local supporter Joan Herzog once again held a permaculture garden plant sale to benefit The Landing Place, and raised $500! We love when community members find creative ways to show their support to this organization. Thank you Joan - we’re so grateful you’re in Homeworthy’s corner! |
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| Toy Drive Success at Hot Hill Tavern Thanks to everyone who came out to
Hot Hill Tavern last Friday, October 10! We were able to collect gifts that will go to families who may not be able to purchase their own during the holidays. Attendees also donated cash that will go toward helping our case management, family shelter, and youth programs! |
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Thanks so much to the team at Hot Hill for their continued support — these folks have stepped up time and time again to host our events or support them with food & beverage help. This is a local business that is truly living their values! Plus, a special shoutout to Homeworthy case manager Ryan Moody, who pulled this all together AND played some great tunes for folks. |
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A warm thank you to the team at First National Bank! FNB employees throughout the state voted to support Homeworthy for the month of September through their recent Casual For a Cause fundraiser. In total, they raised $948.06 that will go directly to helping neighbors find safe and stable housing for their families. |
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Staff Highlight: Jesse Shimer |
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Jesse has been part of the Homeworthy team for five years, holding multiple roles across the organization. He plays a key role in keeping things running smoothly and ensuring we’re well-staffed. We asked Jesse to reflect on his time with Homeworthy — here’s what he shared! |
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Q: How long have you been a team member at Homeworthy? How did you first get involved? I joined Homeworthy in October 2020 when I was looking for an internship. I found the Hospitality House and saw they were hiring, so I threw my hat in the ring. I fell in love with the team and the clients and have been here ever since.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job, and working with Homeworthy in general? I left the shelter in 2022 and moved to my current role as the HR Assistant. I loved the shelter because I got to engage with the residents and their families and then celebrate with them as they moved on to their next chapter in life. Once I transitioned to the HR Assistant position, my role was really the same, except instead of clients/residents, I get to engage with staff. I've always loved helping people and seeing others succeed in their goals or life, and being in HR gives me that opportunity. Homeworthy has been a great home and family to me, I've always felt supported when it comes to my physical and mental health needs.
Q: What’s something you wish the general public knew/understood more about this work and rural homelessness? Everyone and anyone can help end homelessness — you don't have to be in the industry to make a difference. Make a small donation, make a large donation, cook a meal, drop off a sleeping bag, volunteer your time — it all counts! |
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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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