The Midcoast Regional Housing Trust (MCRHT) announced that the historic farmhouse at The Homestead on Route 90 in Rockport is now ready to rent. After a thorough renovation that preserves the farmhouse's character while bringing it up to modern standards, the three-bedroom home is ready to welcome a new working household.

MCRHT is accepting applications through September 15.

Middle-income working households of three to six persons seeking to make the farmhouse their home must apply by September 15, 2026.

To learn more about eligibility and submit an application, visit MCRHT or email applications@MCRHT.org

Partnerships are central to this project. Maine Coast Heritage Trust facilitated the donation of the land, farmhouse, and adjacent barns for MCHRT’s use. 

Maine Coast Construction carefully updated the farmhouse, with energy-efficiency improvements from Evergreen Home Performance.

The work has brought the historic property up to current standards, improved comfort and energy performance, and preserved the traditional character that makes the farmhouse special, according to a news from MCRHT.

“We are incredibly excited to reach this moment,” said MCRHT Board Chair Jonathan Goss, in the release. “A lot of work and community support went into making this home possible, and now we get to do the most important part—welcoming a working household into a safe, comfortable, and attainable home.”

Housing Designed Around What Working Households Can Afford

MCRHT has set a fixed rent for the three-bedroom farmhouse so monthly rent and expected separate utility costs should total about 30% of a household's income. The goal is to keep housing costs in line with what a working household can reasonably afford.

The farmhouse is part of MCRHT's broader effort to create and permanently protect workforce housing throughout the MidCoast.

A Community-Funded Model That Multiplies Impact

MCRHT's approach combines two powerful tools: tax-deductible charitable giving from community investors and traditional commercial financing, made possible through donations and repaid with rental income.

By pairing philanthropy with financing, MCRHT can help close the gap between the cost of building or preserving a home and what a working household can reasonably afford. The Trust serves “missing-middle” households: those earning too much to qualify for subsidized housing but not enough to afford market-rate housing in our region. Every dollar invested helps generate commercial financing, multiplying the impact of every donor's contribution.

The newly available farmhouse is a tangible example of what this model can accomplish: transforming an existing historic home into attainable workforce housing while preserving an important part of the community's character.

About MidCoast Regional Housing Trust

MidCoast Regional Housing Trust is a community-based organization dedicated to creating, managing, and permanently protecting workforce housing throughout the MidCoast. Through community investment, innovative financing, and thoughtful development, MCRHT works to ensure that “missing-middle” working households can find and afford a place to call home.