January 28, 2016 Meeting
President Lisa led our meeting in the recently renovated parish hall. Kristen Lindquist introduced the speaker, Stephanie Primm, executive director of the Hospitality House, a program of Knox County Homeless Coalition.
Since opening almost two years ago on February 4, 2014, the organization has helped in some way over 1000 people, through shelter and/or comprehensive case management. 374 have moved into permanent housing. Their current caseload is just under 300, with 9 case managers. Upwards of 20% of their clients are fleeing domestic violence and many have suffered trauma and most have not graduated from high school. She shared the story of Nate, a toddler, and his mother, who were in the House for an extended period and now live in Warren and are receiving after-case programming to support their stability. They have a 12-passenger van and are providing transportation to school and work for their clientele. They provide tutors, mentoring through volunteer participation, and “life enrichment” field trips. An anonymous donor has funded groceries, which supplements the clients access the Area Interfaith Outreach food pantry.
Their budget is $1.4M and they receive some $400k in reimbursement from Mainecare, $100k from state housing authority, and the balance from individual and corporate philanthropy and foundations.
Donations of furniture or toys can be dropped off at the house between 9 and 4 on weekdays. 593-8151 is the number for the house. Having acquired a barn adjacent to the house with more than 10sf of space. They want to create a space of storage and distribution of food for people participating in their programs and will be looking for volunteer help and donations for that project. They have an ongoing need for normal cleaning supplies, toilet paper, auto supplies for car maintenance, phone, food and gas cards. Transportation and child care are the biggest barriers to stability for many of their clients.
President Lisa presented Stephanie with a check as well. Noel Cox also presented her with 4 large bags of children's books from her daughter who works in publishing.
Berglund, our exchange student from Iceland, made a presentation about her home country, a 40 square-mile island in the north Atlantic. The population is concentrated along the coast and capital, Rekyavik, and speak Danish, English and Norwegian. They use waterfalls for hydro power and of course, geothermal energy. She will be back in May to provide a longer presentation about her year here as an exchange student.
Maria Libby has earned her blue badge, having graduated from the Red Bagde program for new members.
Sandy Cox is organizing a Super Bowl 50, $10/square, to raise $750 to give to a charity, and there are $50 and $100 prizes. The club agreed that the funds should go to the Hospitality House.
Sign-ups are still available for shifts to help with car parking at the Toboggan Nationals Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7.
Mark Masterson is organizing the Chili Challenge and anyone who can't help with parking or at the event is asked to instead bake brownies for the dessert.
Ken Gardiner is still getting $50 and $100 sponsors.
Peter Berke announced he will make his year's project the Hospitality House.
Wednesday, February 2, 2016 at 7a the board meets at Anderson Inn, Quarry Hill, and all members are invited to Attend.
Next week, Making Change, Camden will be the program at the meeting.
