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Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition

Our nonprofit organization is energized by the vision of helping families and youth in need – and fueled by the energy of volunteers. We work to end the cycle of homelessness for individual families in Waldo County through innovation and collaboration around affordable housing and support for youth at risk. This program is designed to do just that, providing a temporary home to struggling families striving for consistent employment and a home in which they can raise their children. In addition, our youth programs provide support to youth to avoid homelessness.

Transitional Housing

Family Photo Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition was founded in 2025, and opened Family Harbor House in Belfast in January 2026. Our transitional housing program provides a safe, welcoming place for parents and children to rest, regroup, and work toward stable, permanent housing. We rely on a cadre of scores of volunteers who staff the housing facility 24-hours-a-day. They also provide staffing for information tables, maintain the housing playground, and do other duties and tasks. Several people volunteer as members of the Board of Directors.

Youth Programs

Our youth programs provide significant support to youth, ages 16-21. These programs had been provided by the But Still I Am One organization, which brought its programs into MMHC as it dissolved its operation in 2026 so one efficient, unified effort now provides all these family and youth services. Our youth programs include:
  • All Aboard – Driver Education so youth can get to school and work
  • Sand Dollars – a pre-paid card program to empower youth facing home insecurity
  • Home Port – to help home-insecure youth avoid being, or becoming, homeless.

Please Join the Effort!

Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition seeks compassionate community members to assist local families experiencing homelessness and youth who need a helping hand. If you are interested in volunteer possibilities, fill out the form on this page. You can join the 107 persons already approved and trained to volunteer.

 
Family Harbor House Volunteer Wendy Trefrey Honored by United Midcoast Charities During September
Volunteer Wendy Trefrey is being honored with audio stories appearing on 105.5-FM "The Wave" three times a day during September because she is the United Midcoast Charities volunteer of the month. The story also highlights MMHC and Family Harbor House.
Read More & Hear the Radio Stories

  • Upcoming Events

    Booth at "Maine Made" at Mosman Park in Searsport

    Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am - 4pm
    Location: Mosman Park, Searsport, Maine
    MMHC will operate an information booth at this popular event. Stop by and see us!

  • Recent News From Family Harbor House
    and the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition

       Melissa McLaughlin - Our New Coordinator of Volunteers

          The Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition felt fortunate to have several well-qualified individuals apply for the new part-time position of Volunteer Coordinator for MMHC. After interviews and thoughtful ... (see the full story)

       MMHC at the Final Belfast Summer Night of 2026
          Photo: Board member Lacey Durkee talks to visitors at Belfast Summer Nights
    Our newest board member, Lacey Durkee, worked at the information table on September 10. MMHC had the privilege of meeting many of those who came to hear music that night. Visitors asked questions, provided their email addresses, and made cash donatio ... (see the full story)
       Thank You Belfast Co-op!
          Photo: Co-op employees present the Common Cents check to MMHC board members Steve Alspach and Suetta Tenney (lower right, with check).
         The Belfast Co-op Common Cents program set a new record during the month of August! During that month, the round-up campaign at the cash registers collected a total of $8,666.15 to support the programs of the Midcoast Maine H ... (see the full story)
       Tabling at Party for the People
          Photo: Board member Joel Krueger answers questions at the infomation booth on a beautiful day.
    Making friends and finding new volunteers ... MMHC operated an information table at the second-annual Party for the People at Steamboat Landing Park Saturday afternoon, September 7. Lots of people stopped by to le ... (see the full story)
       United Midcoast Charities Honors MMHC, FHH, and Volunteer Wendy Trefrey
          Photo: MMHC board chair Kathy Muzzy (left) and Volunteer Wendy Trefrey (right)
          Each month, United Midcoast Charities, in conjunction with FM radio station 105.5  “The Wave”, produces a program called “Be the Tide Volunteer of the Month”. They produce eight radio stories which are then feat ... (see the full story)
    Read More & Hear the Radio Stories
       MMHC Highlighted as an Example of Cooperation, Service, and Efficiency
          Photo: MMHC board member Barb Gage speaks at the Rising Tide party and fundraiser held by United Midcoast Charities

          MMHC was asked to speak at the annual Rising Tide event held by United Midcoast Charities (UMC) in Searsmont on August 20. UMC annually provides financial support to more than 40 nonprofit organizations ser ... (see the full story)

  • Meet One of Our Board Members

    Midge BrowningMidge Browning - B.S.
    Board Member
    Email: MidgeB.mmhc@gmail.com

          Born in Southern California, she obtained a B.S. in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton. She and her husband moved to Southern Illinois (near St. Louis, MO) in 1982 and raised two sons. Midge worked ... (continued)

  • Supporter Spotlight

  • United Methodist Foundation of the Northeast

    The Foundation says it is honored and excited to have provided a grant that supports the dream of transitional housing for families in need. And the dream has now become a neighbor-helping-neighbor reality! They state: "UMFNE is proud to support the Belfast United Methodist Church in their hospitality and safety enhancements for this vital family need in Waldo County, Maine. They look forward to future collaboration with BUMC and local partners to bolster and strengthen the mission of Family Harbor House."
       UMFNE Website

Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition, a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, has created transitional housing at 23 Mill Lane in Belfast. We provide housing, nutrition, and support for 3 or 4 families at a time, using a mix of hired staff and community partners. With the support of local volunteers at the site, there is support for the families both day and night. We coordinate with many local organizations to provide case management and other services. Our youth programs support Waldo County youth, ages 16-21, at risk of homeless. We have several programs to provide needed support to these youth. In addition, we continue to provide funds to prevent homelessness – assisting families who are in danger of losing their housing due to lack of resources, and briefly assisting with some utility payments or rent.