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Tedford Housing


Question:

How can Tedford Housing effectively establish a presence and build relationships in the Lewiston/Auburn area to facilitate the success of its expansion into that community?

Mission

Tedford Housing works to end homelessness in mid coast Maine by providing, in collaboration with others, shelter, housing, and services to those in need.  We work to help people become more self-sufficient and to advocate for change so that no one faces the prospect of being without a home.

History

  • 1987: Churches in Bath-Brunswick create Tedford Shelter.
  • 2006: The name changes to Tedford Housing—reflecting a focus on ending homelessness and the creation of supportive housing options.
  • Tedford Housing now operates a shelter program for individuals and families, offers case management services and operates 27 units of permanent, supportive housing in mid coast Maine.
  • During the past five years, the budget has tripled, new programs have been added, and Tedford has grown to be a Maine leader in providing services to homeless and at-risk adults and families.

Programs

  • Emergency Shelter:           12,000 bednight per year
  • Homelessness Prevention:   700 contacts per year
  • Master Lease:                    6 units in Bath-Brunswick
  • Youth Outreach:                50 students per year
  • Supportive Housing   21 units in Brunswick, Bath and Augusta
  • Pending Expansion:  6 units for single adults with in Auburn; 10 units for families in Lewiston

Organizational Structure

Tedford Housing is governed by a twenty member board of directors. Don Kniseley serves as the Executive Director. Additionally, Tedford’s staff consists of the Operations Director, Development Director, Office Manager, Shelter Manager, Prevention Coordinator, Case Managers, Maintenance Director and full and part- time Shelter Attendants.

Financial          

Revenue                                           Expenses

Grants and Donations  $277,403      Personnel   $645,848

Programs                     $649,673     Program     $239,858

Events, Interest, Misc.     $27,000    Operating      $68,370

Demographics: Around 8,000 homeless in ME annually; Tedford provides around 12,000 shelter bednights each year and sees 700 in supportive housing and prevention programs; L-A community has nearly 100,000 population and around 1,300 homeless annually.

Growth Goal:

1. To expand programs and services by developing 16 units of supportive housing in Lewiston- Auburn. 2. To operate successful programs and establish a base of support among individuals and organizations in the community.

Strengths: Involved in local consortium of service providers (LAASH). Support from both municipalities. Recognized in Maine as a leader in homeless services and supportive housing.   

Challenges: We have a gap in capital funds for this project of about $325,000. Our application for United Way funding for these projects has been denied. The uncertain economy; State and federal funding cuts for services. Rising construction/ development costs; NIMBY.

Question: How can Tedford Housing effectively establish a presence and build relationships in a new service location, Lewiston- Auburn?