ROCKPORT — For the third year in a row, Knox County Homeless Coalition was able to make wishes come true during the holidays for more than 100 families.  

This was done “through the help of our very supportive community,” according to KCHC, in a news release.

In 2018, Knox County Homeless Coalition, which serves clients throughout Knox, Waldo, and half of Lincoln counties, saw a 20-percent increase in number of non-duplicated individuals served, and continues to work with a higher percentage of families than the average nationwide, the release said. In contrast to national and state averages, more than half the households served by KCHC are families with children.

“Although this places KCHC in a very unique position to affect generational change, implementing this change could not be possible without private philanthropic efforts,” said the release.

This year, donations came from 63 community groups and individuals, including Girl Scout Troop 1160.

As a result of this generosity, KCHC was able to address the needs of entire families simultaneously during its recent holiday Adopt-a-family program.

Eileen McGuigan, volunteer and donation center coordinator, said of the project: “The number of ‘Christmas Miracles’ I witnessed by orchestrating this project was phenomenal. Every time we ended up with a new family, a new donor just seemed to call or email often looking to sponsor just the right size group. It is a testament to the generosity of spirit this community has.”

To find out more about how you can make a difference with those who are homeless in our area, contact the Knox County Homeless Coalition at 207-593-8151 or info@homehelphope.org.

About Knox County Homeless Coalition

Knox County Homeless Coalition, founded in 2014, is the only dedicated homeless organization serving Knox, Waldo and part of Lincoln counties offering comprehensive case management to an active client base of about 300. KCHC also manages the Hospitality House family shelter — a live-in facility for up to 23 in Rockport.  

KCHC’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in Midcoast Maine, offering a holistic wraparound approach to help vulnerable people build productive and self-sustaining lives. All assistance provided by KCHC is given with respect, dignity and genuine caring, delivering on the promise of home, help, and hope.

Since opening its doors in 2014, KCHC has achieved a 90-95 percent success rate for sustainable independence for clients who remain active through the entire program. The transportation program, added in 2015, helps remove one of the most critical barriers to rural independence. The newest program of KCHC, The Landing Place, is a highly-relational, low-barrier, comprehensive, safe haven for unaccompanied and at-risk teens located on Park Street, in downtown Rockland.

About Girl Scout Maine Troop 1160

GSME Troop 1160 is based in Warren and has 12 scouts, grades 8-12, from the communities of Warren, Waldoboro, Washington and Thomaston. Community service is an integral part of their troop program, along with badge work and travel. Service hours from volunteering through this organization and others will go towards each scout earning their Community Service Bar.

For information on registering your daughter in scouting or to volunteer, contact Girl Scouts of Maine at 1-888-922-4763, or visit them on the web at girlscoutsofmaine.org.