ROCKPORT — Thanks to two anonymous donors, all donations to the Knox County Homeless Coalition will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000 through the end of March. These matching donations are in honor of KCHC’s sixth birthday.

“Despite assisting more than 1900 individuals and helping more than 900 people find new homes over the last 6 years, we run into people every day who are shocked to find there are homeless families here in the Midcoast,” said Becca Gildred, director of Development, at the Knox County Homeless Coalition. “We actively work with between 350-400 people regularly, half of whom are looking for housing and half of whom have been recently housed and are now participating in our post-housing support program. More than half the people we work with are young children. Community support is vital to our mission of continuing to help families achieve sustainable independence and a hopeful future.”

Knox County Homeless Coalition was born in 2014 as the result of a grassroots coalition formed to re-imagine how homeless services are delivered in Midcoast Maine. According to KCHC, it soon became apparent that true stability and lasting independence for its clients would require a holistic approach, providing for basic needs (food, clothing, etc.) while building relationships of trust with dedicated case managers, providing transportation, and supporting whole families.

In 6 years, KCHC has evolved to deliver an innovative suite of programs, including a comprehensive youth program. More than 90% of graduated clients maintain their independence. KCHC’s collaborations have resulted in innovative housing initiatives that will provide replicable models for affordable housing in other rural areas.

KCHC is committed to a bold goal to end homelessness in Midcoast Maine in the next decade through a continued focus on prevention, education, and post-housing support.

The birthday fundraising challenge, which runs through March 31, will match all donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000. Readers can go here to donate now: www.homehelphope.org/donate-now

About Knox County Homeless Coalition

Knox County Homeless Coalition is the only dedicated homeless services organization with outreach throughout Knox, Waldo and parts of northern Lincoln County — helping families achieve sustainable independence and a hopeful future. Their client-focused approach begins with building trusting relationships, identifies and builds on an individual’s strengths and simultaneously works to break down barriers to independence. KCHC is committed to delivering all services with respect, dignity and genuine caring. They also innovate around systemic change to solve root causes of homelessness in the Midcoast through collaboration.

KCHC’s success rate of sustainability, for clients who remain engaged in the full program is more than 90%. Programs include: Hospitality House Family Shelter; comprehensive case management; The Landing Place Youth Program; transportation; emergency services and supply store; and outbound food distribution and pantry.