Newsletter: Summer 2021

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Dear Friends,

As we continue to enjoy the gift of Maine summer into fall, I want to share a bit about beans, families, future, and the importance of home.

First and foremost, I hope this summer newsletter finds you happy, healthy, and able to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy some of the abundant beauty, fresh air, and sunshine of this special state we call home, despite the resurgence of COVID.

As the ongoing health crisis continues, the crisis lack of affordable housing in our community and our state has grown to its own crisis level pandemic. Many of the issues we’re facing in finding people to fill available jobs are because people increasingly cannot afford to live here. In 2020 nearly 60% of the renter households in Maine–93,292 households–could not afford the median 2BR rent. That is more than the populations of Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Biddeford, South Portland, and Bangor combined. And we are all too familiar with what’s happened with the cost of real estate here this past year.

For Maine, this is no longer an issue affecting only low income people and families, this is an issue affecting moderate income people as well–and an issue that will have a profound impact on Maine’s future economy and stability.

While keeping in mind the seriousness of the affordable housing crisis, it is important we also understand that affordable housing alone will not eradicate homelessness. The success we have had in bringing entire families back to productive independence lies in the balance of available affordable housing and plentiful services and support where needed. We need professional and skilled social workers to restore hope and lives and futures. This work cannot be automated, it costs a great deal–and requires time. Time costs money. We must also leverage existing resources and community collaborations in a client-centered way–reorganizing and redirecting the system to be more accessible and manageable for those in need. These things are being worked on at the State level as you read this newsletter.

Through my work on the Statewide Homeless Council, we know homelessness is a very solve-able issue that can save states and municipalities money, save lives, and relieve overstressed systems. But in order to solve homelessness, multiple interventions must be working simultaneously and effectively. Services such as diversion, emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, affordable housing, and supportive housing are all critical elements of the solution to homelessness and prevention. All of these critical elements can only be effective if supported by skilled professionals.

As we go forward, we have deep faith as an organization in our vision that Midcoast Maine can be a supportive community within which all families and individuals have the opportunity for housing and a sustainable productive life.

Shifting to ‘beans’–a bit lighter fare as I close. AJ, a joyful energetic little boy currently in our shelter ran up to our C.O.O. in the parking lot last week with three beautiful beans in his hand. “ Would you like a green bean? I grew them myself in the garden?” he asked with a huge smile on his face. Whitney gratefully accepted, giving him huge kudos and appreciation.

These wonderful moments in our parking lot keep us all going, knowing that something as simple and beautiful as this interchange shows children who have experienced trauma that kindness is present in this life, that there are people they can trust, and that learning can be so much fun! These small things change lives, along with the big things like housing and sometimes significant help.

As you move through the end of Summer, never forget how the smallest act of kindness can change a life. You may not know it at the moment you act, but years later AJ most likely will remember what he learned while his ‘home’ was Hospitality House–kindness, caring, respect, dignity, learning, growing and sprinkles of joy and actual fun where there was not much before.

Once again, I would like to thank our courageous clients, our hopeful and generous community, our friends, our collaborative partners, and our dedicated supporters for continuing to sustain us in this important work, which is needed now more than ever. I hope you will take the time to read through the newsletter below to find out the great things we are doing here at KCHC with the amazing support of all of you–our wonderful, dedicated, resilient community.

With deep appreciation and wishes for continued and shared joy, abundance, hope and good health.

Executive Director, Knox County Homeless Coalition
Chair, Statewide Homeless Council

For more on the statewide efforts around affordable housing and the homeless response system, please take a moment to read this brief Maine Voices article co-authored by Executive Director Steph Primm and Daniel Brennan, Director of MaineHousing, regarding the urgent need for a better system to prevent and respond to homelessness in the state of Maine.

"Our goal is to build a system that makes homelessness rare and brief. This is known as building for zero. To build for zero, we have to work to prevent homelessness and develop the resources and supports to get people the help they need quickly and effectively. We must shift the current fractured system to service hubs so people across Maine have equal access to rapid rehousing, affordable housing and permanent supportive housing resources in their community."

https://www.centralmaine.com/2021/07/21/maine-voices-ending-homelessness-requires-bold-action/

We Do It Differently:

RAISING AWARENESS AROUND MEETING NEED

THE CHALLENGES WE ARE FACING

A recent report from the Maine State Housing Authority painted a picture of the affordable housing crisis which is currently affecting our region at a crisis level.

The median two bedroom rent (with utilities) in Knox County rose from $954 in 2016 to $1195 in 2020*, an increase of more than 25%, far outpacing median income in Knox County which rose only 5% over the same period**.

The numbers below help to portray the realities of a region where 62% of households do not make the median household income necessary to afford the average two bedroom rent. At $1520/month, nearly 3 out of 4 Rockland renter households cannot afford the media 2BR apartment.

These stark statistics underscore the challenges being faced by our friends and neighbors and the urgent need for affordable housing in the Midcoast.

*Source: MaineHousing 2020 Rent Survey. All rent data reported adjusted to include the cost of utilities (heat, hot water, and electricity). Note that prior to 2020, average rents were used rather than median rents.
**Source: Claritas Current Year Household Income

Keep me up to date!

We are excited to announce Knox County Homeless Coalition's 3rd Annual One Night Without a Home event!

Over the last year we've all had our lives changed by the impact of COVID-19. Can you imagine adding to that not having a home or a safe place for yourself and your family to live?

Homelessness is often invisible here in the Midcoast, but it is a harsh reality for the more than 550 individuals we work with daily. Sadly, about half those individuals are children. But, with your help we can make sure they won’t need to panic about where they’ll sleep tonight, or have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Kids can use their energy to play a sport or an instrument. Their moms and dads can pursue an education. A community that believes everyone deserves a safe warm place to call home is a stronger community. Your investment in people today is an investment in the future — in the place we all call home.

As a peer-to-peer fundraiser, anyone can start a fundraising team, join a friend's team, or simply donate to the event itself. We hope that you’ll join us at the sleep out, but we welcome people who just want to fundraise as well. Everything helps!

Visit the event home page at https://www.homehelphope.org/onwah2021.

The "sleep-out" is scheduled for Friday, September 24 and will be held on the Village Green in Camden, ME (between Chestnut Street Baptist Church and the Town Office on Elm Street).

Thank you to our 2021 Sponsors: Camden Real Estate Company, Viking Lumber, First National Bank, Allen Insurance and Financial, Mount Pleasant Dental Care, North Pond Dental Care, Season's Downeast Designs, Bay View Collection, Camden Law LLP, J. K. Kalloch, 250 Main Hotel, Lonza Rockland, Rockport Automotive, Megunticook Market, Steel-Pro Inc, Maple Street Design Studio, Chestnut Street Baptist Church, and Zoot Coffee!

Learn More Now

Our People:

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

In June Rockland Rotary Club announced that KCHC Executive Director Steph Primm was the recipient of the club’s 2021 Community Person of the Year Award.

From Steph: “We are deeply grateful for the support of the Rockland Rotary Club and all of its members. Their support of KCHC has been invaluable to our capacity to help our most vulnerable since day one of re-opening the Hospitality House Family Shelter in 2014."

Read the story here.

"I want to hold up a mirror and let others know that they are unconditionally important. Despite the shame, stigma, rejection, abuse or trauma they have faced they deserve a fair chance, kindness and love. They are worthy of life and the pursuit of happiness. We are all human beings, basically chasing the same goals and dreams. Empathy, love, compassion and indignation fuel my passion for this challenging work.”

BILL MEADE, KCHC Case Manager

View Current Openings and Join our Team

Our People:

CLIENT SUCCESS

After 10 years of homelessness and/or dangerous living situations, including long term motels, couch surfing with countless abusive partners, and renting substandard rooms within places not meant for habitation, a middle-aged client of ours has finally moved in to an apartment that will allow them to experienced stable independence for the first time in their adult life. This apartment not only allows for the in-home care they need due to progressive muscular dystrophy but allows for access and independent mobility through the use of an electric wheelchair (thanks to advocacy by our team) which will also allow this client to get their own groceries and medication.

This milestone represents the overcoming of a significantly traumatic history. This home is a place that will allow this client to safely experience independence - a place they can finally call their own. This is why we do the work we do.

Learn More About Our Programs

Get Involved:

UPCOMING EVENTS, TRAININGS, AND OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

Join the Event!

When dedicated people get behind a cause, great things can happen. That's why we need you.

Please join us for our 3rd Annual One Night Without a Home event by joining a fundraising team or creating a team of your own. Then share your belief in our cause with your friends on Social Media and email. It's easy and all funds go securely to Knox County Homeless Coalition.

We hope that you’ll join us at the sleep out, but we welcome people who just want to fundraise as well. Everything helps! Together with a few good people like you, we can raise awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness and the need for affordable housing.

Learn more here.

The Landing Place Programs

Youth Center Activities This Summer
Low-barrier, highly-relational opportunities to create connections with caring staff.

FREE food, clothing, basic supplies, mentoring, and creative programming for middle & high school age youth.
Monday Makers: Get involved with some building projects through the summer Mon. (contact TLP for times!)
Community-Minded Jobs: Participate in service activities and receive a gift card for your time!
Thurs-Day-Spa: Finding Our Voices & TLP team up for some empowering activities, talk about healthy relationships, self care and homemade scrubs, mask and lotions. Thurs. 11am-Noon.
Community Service Opportunities: Earn high school credit or restorative justice service agreement hours in collaboration with TLP.
Low Barrier Access to Therapeutic Service: Contact TLP to connect with local mental health providers — FREE of charge.
Summer in the Backyard: FREE activities, Tues. & Thurs. Noon-4 pm. See reverse for details

To find out more about the summer schedules, visit our website, call: 207-466-9285, or email: info@thelandingplaceme.org

We Are 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.

It Takes a Village:

OUR COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIPS WARM BOTH BODY AND SOUL

Proceeds Donated

East Fork Mask Collective raised over $400 for KCHC from mask sales during the months of April and May.

The East Fork Mask Collective contributes $2 per mask sold to Maine-based nonprofit organizations committed to social justice and public health each month. You can check out their website at eastforkmaskco.com.

Backpack Donations

It can be easy to take for granted access to the little things, like school supplies. We want to give a huge thank you to our amazing donors who help to make sure kids have all of the supplies they need. Something like a new backpack for the school year can make a huge difference to our kids returning to school this fall. Thanks you to Phyllis Hemler, pictured, for her generous donation!

And also a huge thank you to Barbara Heard and West Bay Rotary - Camden, Maine!
West Bay Rotary’s Backpack Program is once again providing backpacks to students at local schools and at KCHC's Hospitality House Family Shelter and The Landing Place youth program.

Thank you Barbara for dropping off the first load of backpacks for our kids going back to school! We received over 90 backpacks filled with school materials!

Water For Graduates

The RSU 13 Youth Alliance turned out to support Ocenaside High School grads in June and cheered them on as they arrived at the football field, handing out 100 pre-filled and chilled water bottles.

Pictured Youth Alliance Members: Erin Hustus, representing Coastal Recovery Community Center and Kim Bernard from The Landing Place

Camden Rockport Middle School Fundraiser Supported The Landing Place Programs

As the winners of this year's “Penny War”, the 8th grade students at Camden Rockport Middle School proudly presented a check for $606.25 to the Landing Place.

In the photo: L-R Becca Gildred, Development Director for Knox County Homeless Coalition, Walker Hedrich and Lindsey Clifford, 8th Graders at CRMS, Joseph Hufnagel, Director of The Landing Place youth program.

Click here to learn more about our comprehensive youth program The Landing Place.

Support KCHC Now!

Lasting Impressions:

CHANGING THE FUTURE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Approximately half of those we serve are children and youth.

We wish you a happy, healthy summer and beyond!

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 at info@homehelphope.org.

Becca GildredAugust 30, 2021