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News from 2026

News from 2026

BDN: New Program in Belfast Helps Homeless Families Find Housing
October 5, 2026
    Photo: Family Harbor House occupies the lower level at Belfast United Methodist Church
         On September 30, the Bangor Daily News printed a story about Family Harbor House, how it works, and how it has done in this, its first year of operation. From the story: "The successful model is a small-scale example of what’s possible when community members join forces to address homelessness, which is one of the state’s most pervasive challenges. While picturesque coastal communities like Belfast don’t have hundreds of people grappling with homelessness, the region’s high housing prices and exceptionally tight availability act as barriers for low-income families struggling to get ahead."
      And quoting Family Harbor House Director David Beseda: "Watching the organization’s first family successfully advance out of the program and into their own home was 'thrilling,' Beseda said, as it showed what’s possible for others." “There’s a lot working against folks to get their own place and get out of such tenuous situations. It proves that with support, help, and time, people can find those few accessible channels to find something they can afford that’s stable.”
      Thanks to the BDN for making more people aware of the work of our transitional housing facilty.
    See the BDN Article

Melissa McLaughlin - Our New Coordinator of Volunteers
September 14, 2026
   

      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 consideration, the Board of Directors hired Melissa McLaughlin for the position which will start in Mid-September. 

      Melissa has extensive administrative and volunteer coordinating experience through working at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and Bread & Roses Community Fund. Her previous work with nonprofit organizations involved multi-level communications, scheduling of volunteers, technology systems, and trainings with volunteers. She worked as part of the Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS), coordinating volunteers and support groups engaged in intentional community, social justice, and spirituality.

     We are excited to welcome Melissa to the work of MMHC and we will soon introduce her to both the Family Harbor House community and to the Youth programs now integrated into the MMHC mission. 


MMHC at the Final Belfast Summer Night of 2026
September 12, 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 donations (including a $100 bill!)

Thank You Belfast Co-op!
September 7, 2026
    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 Homeless Coalition.
     A total of 18,165 individual donations were made by Co-op shoppers throughout the month. This resulted in the highest amount raised in one month in ten years of the program! One hundred percent of those donations will help MMHC run its programs for youth and families in Waldo County.


Tabling at Party for the People
September 7, 2026
    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 learn more about MMHC, Family Harbor House and ways to volunteer.

United Midcoast Charities Honors MMHC, FHH, and Volunteer Wendy Trefrey
September 1, 2026
    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 featured on-air three times a day for that month.
      For the month of August 2026, that volunteer is Wendy Trefrey, who volunteers at Family Harbor House in Belfast – the transitional housing program of the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition. Trefrey and Kathy Muzzy, board chair of MMHC, were interviewed by Becca Gildred, the executive director of United Midcoast Charities.
      They talk about what the organization does, why the volunteer was chosen, and what opportunites exist at the organization. The volunteer is asked why they choose to volunteer with the organization, how they knew it was the right fit for them, what they get to do, and why they feel it is personally rewarding.
      United Midcoast Charities is also the organization that held its annual Rising Tide party and auction on August 20 at Riverside Farm & Learning Center in Searsmont. At that event, MMHC board member Barb Gage spoke about the process of bringing all of the But Still I Am One youth support programs into the MMHC. United Midcoast Charities helped significantly in facilitating that work. UMC then honored MMHC for bringing the programs together smoothly and efficiently, without a break in support for Waldo County youth.
    Read More & Hear the Radio Stories

MMHC Highlighted as an Example of Cooperation, Service, and Efficiency
August 22, 2026
    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 serving Knox and Waldo counties. They asked representatives of MMHC to speak about bringing the transitional housing program of MMHC together with the youth support programs of But Still I Am One, to provide all of those related services under the auspices of one service organization.

       Barb Gage, who served as board president of the former But Still I Am One organization, and is now on the board of Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition, spoke of the support received from United Midcoast Charities as the programs, resources, and leadership of two organizations were brought together earlier this year to create a stronger, more efficient, more-unified service provider focused on homelessness in Waldo County.

        UMC had provided significant support to MMHC in evaluating the mission of the programs, coordinating support resources, and facilitating the transition. MMHC was honored to be recognized by United Midcoast Charities at this event, and also to have the opportunity to thank them publicly for all their assistance. The goal of United Midcoast Charities is to provide financial support, strategic guidance, and tangible resources to Midcoast nonprofits providing services in the areas of food, housing, health & safety, and economic security.

       Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition continues to provide housing for previously unhoused families at Family Harbor House in Belfast, and now also operates the Homelessness Prevention Initiative,  providing financial support to offset costs of food, utilities, rent or other needs to allow the youth to avoid homelessness as they stay with an appropriate family in the community.

       In addition, MMHC provides a one-time prepaid Visa card, or PEX card, to youth who are facing home insecurity in Waldo County, giving them an opportunity to make their own decisions about expenses, budgeting, and have more control over their lives. There is also driver’s education funding is available for youth aged 16-21 who are home insecure.


Playground Cleanup Day - Not Exactly as Planned
August 15, 2026
    Photo: Board Member Steve Alspach gets down-and-dirty, digging out the floor of the old shed.
         Cleaning and painting were on the agenda for this volunteer day in the playground behind Family Harbor House. First up was the clean-out of the storage shed alongside the playground. All went well until the workers found much of the floor of the shed was rotted out. The morning was spent largely with ripping out part of the old floor and installing a new one. This was a big step forward, and the painting of small buildings in the playground will wait for another day.
      A big thank you goes to volunteers Stacy Stewart, Laurence Pengelly, Drew Gage, board members Joel Krueger and Steve Alspach, as well as Family Harbor House Director David Beseda. The playground itself still needs some touchup, but is in great shape for Family Harbor House children to play in.

MMHC at the Belfast Summer Street Party
July 22, 2026
    Photo: Board Member Lacey Durkee talks with interested passersby.
   Being a Board Member of the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition requires lots of time and hard work, but some of it is fun! Here, brand-new Board Member Lacey Durkee hands out flyers at the Summer Street Party in downtown Belfast on July 20. This is a great way to let people know about MMHC's programs to support homeless youth, and transitional housing for homeless families ... being in the community to help the community!

Round Up at the Co-op in August to Support MMHC!
July 20, 2026
   
      When you round up your purchase to the nearest dollar at checkout during the month of August, that spare change comes straight to us. Those rounded-up cents help families in our region find the resources they need, from emergency housing to youth support. A little change really does make a big difference! Thank you for rounding up and standing with your neighbors this August.
      The Belfast Community Co-op is such an important place in our community, offering nutritious and local food to the neighbors who walk through its doors. We believe everyone deserves that kind of nourishment, along with a safe, stable place to call home. That's why we're so honored to be this month's Common Cents group at Belfast Community Co-op!

Look for These Friendly Faces!
July 18, 2026
    Photo: Board members Joel Krueger, Suetta Tenney, and Barbara Gage in the information tent.
         MMHC will have an information booth at several Belfast events this summer and fall. The first was at Belfast Summer Nights on July 16. Board members and other volunteers were there to answer questions, hand out brochures, and gratefully accept donations. Please stop by and say "hi" wherever you see our little tent with the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition banner displayed. At this event, lots of people showed interest in ways to help homeless families find a successful future and for homeless teens to find security and hope.

"Everybody Deserves Good Food and Snacks"
July 15, 2026
    Photo: Sharon with her son Sam, who works with her at the restaurant.
         Sharon Kull has seen homelessness in many parts of the world. She sees it in Belfast as well. Just as she did in San Diego, Miami, the Bahamas, and France, she does what she can to help out.
      Sharon owns and operates Spring Street Eatery in Belfast. At least once each week, she contributes soups and pastries to the kitchen at Family Harbor House, providing healthy food for families and snacks for the children. She also provides surplus from catering weddings and other events. The residents of Family Harbor House are so grateful for the sustenance and the pleasure they receive.
      Sharon says some are born privileged, some are born poor, but all deserve an equal chance in life. And children should never be un-housed and hungry. MMHC and FHH appreciate Sharon for her good heart and her great food!
    Visit the Spring Street Eatery Facebook Page

Needed: Part-time Overnight Family Housing Support
July 10, 2026
   

      We are looking for someone to fill this part-time position, working 16 hours a week. That will involve one overnight shift on a workday night, and a 4 hour shift on Sundays from 8am to 12 noon. Duties will include:

  • Be available to provide basic support for the families residing at Family Harbor House 
  • Maintaining safety and orderliness at FHH.
  • Light housekeeping duties
  • Performing various record keeping duties
  • Communicating with the Program Director regarding any operational issues or emergency needs
  • Training for shift duties will be provided by the Family Harbor House Program Director, who is also the supervisor of the position
See the responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation by clicking the link below.

For more information or to apply for the position, contact:
or  Kathy Muzzy - chair.mmhc@gmail.com
    Download the Job Description PDF

Job Opening: We need a Part-time Coordinator of Volunteers
July 10, 2026
        Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition needs a part-time Coordinator of Volunteers to oversee volunteer staffing for its transitional housing program that serves homeless families, and also to coordinate staffing for community outreach events in Waldo County.
      This position plays a key role in maintaining a safe, secure, and dependable program environment. The coordinator will work closely with agency leadership to identify staffing concerns and help solve coverage issues before they affect program operations.
      Click the link below to see the responsibilities, qualifications, work schedule, and compensation.

For more information or to apply for the position:
or Kathy Muzzy - chair.mmhc@gmail.com
    Download the Job Description PDF

The Cycle of Success Has Begun - A Family Moves On
June 22, 2026
   
      The Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition created Family Harbor House to help families move on from homelessness to a successful life in a home of their own. After opening in January of this year, Family Harbor House soon gave three families a temporary home while they developed financial security. In early June, a single mother and her children realized that dream. They lived under the roof of our transitional housing program while she worked, the children attended school, and she arranged for a home that is now theirs. We hope their lives will remain stable now as her children grow up in their own home.
      A new family will now move into our transitional housing while they also work to create their own future. This is the story we have worked so hard to achieve. This is our cycle of success - families are given secure housing and support services while they work to achieve independence. And then, with our blessings, they move on.

High School LEOs Support MMHC & FHH
June 4, 2026
    Photo: Kathy Muzzy and Stormy Carlson
         On June 4, The Belfast High School Peer Leader LEOs presented a $1,020 check in support of the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition and its programs of transitional housing and of preventing homelessness among the youth of Waldo County. The contribution is from the group's annual 5K run/walk held on the Rail Trail on May 2.
   The organization's president, Stormy Carlson, a senior at the school, presented the check to Kathy Muzzy, chair of the MMHC Board of Directors.
      The Peer Leader LEOs act as a high school component of the Belfast Lions Club, focusing on developing leadership skills through service, requiring 20 hours of community service per year. The group is highly active, organizing fundraisers like the 5K Run/Walk to benefit local initiatives such as the Family Harbor House, But Still I Am One, PAWs Animal Shelter, and the hospital oncology unit.

Playground Cleanup at Family Harbor House
June 2, 2026
    Photo: The intrepid volunteers are gathered to work hard all morning.
   On Saturday, May 30, ten energetic volunteers gathered in the playground behind Belfast United Methodist Church and the Family Harbor House. The play area was created for the pre-school that once occupied the lower level of the church. Now it serves the children in the families living at Family Harbor House. Volunteers in the photo (L-R): Rev. Steve Alspach, Rev. Joel Krueger, Chet Bowling, Margaret D'Anieri, Bill Colcord, David Beseda, Drew Laughland, and Barbara Gage. Anna Wood-Cox and Jon Cox also volunteered.

So Much Work Done on the Family Harbor House Playground
June 2, 2026
         Weed-eating, mowing, pruning, dismantling an old wooden playset, clearing litter and a stump, assembling a soccer goal, disposing of old materials, power washing picnic tables - so much accomplished! Ten volunteers gathered on Saturday, May 30 to make a run-down playground beautiful, clean, and fun again for the children of families living at Family Harbor House.
      Another work day is planned. Contact Family Harbor House or Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition if you would like to help out this tremendous volunteer crew next time they set to work.

Rev. Gabe Burford Hired for Key Overnight Position
May 20, 2026
    Photo: Rev. Gabe Burford
   Family Harbor House now has a part-time staff member dedicated to overnights on Friday night to Saturday morning, Saturday night to Sunday morning, and other times as arranged. The new staff member is Rev. Gabe Burford, an interfaith chaplain ordained by the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine. Gabe finds courage at the intersection of belonging and justice. He highlights that we all can play a part in the restoration of our world: "If we find our place together as communities of belonging, we can discover our unique steps towards the horizon of a just world."

Fundraising Dinner Raises More Than $4,000
May 18, 2026
   
     - by Kathy Muzzy, MMHC Board Chair
      We are so pleased with the support at our May 16 "A Travola" fundraising dinner. We sold 76 (at the cut off time on Thursday) out of the 80 tickets available and raised over $4000. Mandi Thomas and Andrea Butler planned and coordinated this event. We can not properly express our thanks to them and their many volunteers who made this possible.

Programs of But Still I Am One Have Joined MMHC
May 18, 2026
   

      At the A Tavola fundraising dinner on May 16, the following news was announced: "We are thrilled and so pleased to share with you that the local organization, But Still I Am One, which has served at-risk youth in Waldo County since 2021, has joined us at the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition so that community-based prevention, youth support, and Family Harbor House’s transitional housing services will all be under one organization."

      This is still very new, but you’ll hear more about it in the near future. We are very excited about this  great addition to the Coalition.


Belfast Area High School Peer Leader Leos Raise Funds for MMHC With a 5K Run/Walk
May 5, 2026
    Photo: And they're off ... on the Peer Leader LEOs 5K Fundraiser Run/Walk
   
      A big thank-you goes to the Belfast Area High School Peer Leader Leos. On Saturday, May 2, the group sponsored its annual 5K run/walk. The beneficiary of this year's fundraiser is the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition. This year's event involved 14 runners and 14 walkers, starting at the footbridge, going down the rail trail, turning around and coming back. Sometime soon, the officers of the Peer Leader LEOs will present a check with the proceeds of the event to officers of the MMHC.
      The Peer Leader LEOs act as a high school component of the Belfast Lions Club, focusing on developing leadership skills through service, requiring 20 hours of community service per year. The group is highly active, organizing fundraisers like the 5K Run/Walk to benefit local initiatives such as the Family Harbor House, But Still I Am One, PAWs Animal Shelter, and the hospital oncology unit. And the group participates in seasonal events, including food box deliveries for Waldo Community Action Partners during the holidays.

2026 Annual Meeting: Review of the Year 2025
April 17, 2026
    Photo: Board Chair Kathy Muzzy
       The Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition held its first annual meeting at Belfast United Methodist Church on the evening of Thursday, April 16. Board Chair, Kathy Muzzy, provided an annual report in which she reviewed the amazing developments of the past year, culminating in the opening of Family Harbor House.
     One year ago, MMHC was working intently with the Belfast City Council and the Planning Board to make transitional housing possible at 23 Mill Lane. MMHC also met with 18 local agencies and churches in developing the direction it needed to go and to plan how to accomplish the goals.
     Once approved to move forward, extensive construction was undertaken in the lower level of Belfast United Methodist Church with work donated by Whitecap Builders and materials by Viking Lumber.
     The mission statement was developed: Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition works to end the cycle of homelessness for individual families in Waldo County, Maine through innovation and collaboration around affordable housing.
     On December 12, a ribbon-cutting ceremony signified to completed transitional housing site, and on January 3, 2026, the first family moved into Family Harbor House.
     Muzzy acknowledged the many organizations and individuals who have donated to make this development possible. And she acknowledged the scores of volunteers who have already given so freely of their time.
     Family Harbor House is now if full operation, fulfilling the goal of helping families develop a firm footing for a safe and successful future.

2026 Annual Meeting: Guest Speaker Brings Support and Inspiration
April 17, 2026
    Photo: Molly Feeney of Homeworthy
        Molly Feeney was the guest speaker at the first annual meeting of the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition. Feeney is the Executive Director of Homeworthy, a nonprofit organization based in Rockland. The meeting was held at Belfast United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 16. The participants first heard a review of the past year - from early steps to a completed Family Harbor House housing four families - from Board Chair, Kathy Muzzy. Then Treasurer, Suetta Tenney, provided a healthy financial report. And the Director of Family Harbor House, David Beseda, talked about the early months of the program, providing for families in need, and preparing the first family to transition into permanent housing of their own.
     Then the group heard from Molly Feeney, whose organization has twelve-years of experience providing comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Midcoast Maine region. Its programs include the Hospitality House family shelter, The Landing Place youth services, case management, urgent needs coordination, and housing support and navigation.
     In encouraging the board, staff, and volunteers of MMHC and FHH, Feeney said what they are doing is "really brave and this is right." She also noted that starting with a four bedroom transitional housing facility is not small, but is a very big step. And she pointed out the great value and experience of "community members taking care of their own."
     Feeney remains a valuable resource of knowledge and experience as Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition further develops the ability of Family Harbor House to prepare families for independent living, and also moves to add new support systems to its repertoire, including programs to support young people to establish successful and sustainable paths for their lives.

Knit-a-Thon at St. Margaret's Raises Over $1,600 for MMHC & Family Harbor House
April 4, 2026
    Photo: Knitters at the Knit-a-Thon
   
From the Newsletter of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Belfast:
       The popularity and reach of our bi-annual knit-a-thons continues to grow. We are delighted to be represented by knitters, fiber artists, and donors from around the state. Breaking bread together, offering project support, and sharing personal stories is at the heart of our community building efforts. We are very grateful to be blessed with such a talented and giving community that never fails to rally support for the many needs in our area.
     Together we raised over $1,600 and had a blast sharing knitting, culinary masterpieces, and laughter. We hope you can join us at the next Knit-a-thon in the fall or any Friday from 3-6 pm for the knitting circle in the Parish Hall.

A Story about Our First Family
March 14, 2026
    Photo: Door to One of the Four Sleeping Rooms at Family Harbor House
   
by Mary Sullivan
Mary Sullivan, a member of the board of MMHC,  met with the mother of our first guest family to hear the story of how they arrived at Family Harbor House, and their first weeks  there. Mary shares their story:

Family Harbor House (FHH) opened its doors to our first guest family on January 3, 2026. Our second guest family arrived at the end of February. Our first guest family includes a mother and her three children. Mom told me that they had been living in a mobile home. She was given only six days to vacate herself and the children. The family moved into a nearby motel.

During the process of moving, Mom found out about Family Harbor House through a liaison from the Belfast Police Department. The news of the Family Harbor House Open House in November encouraged her to connect with David Beseda, our Program Director. With David's guidance, she was able to meet the requirements of the program. She and her family moved in on January 3, which was our opening day.

Mom loved FHH the moment she saw it. She told me, "The benefit of this program is it helps you get back on your feet. You get to rebuild." Her three kids have settled into their routine at the house. Mom says they look forward to coming back to FHH each day. They have gotten to know many of the volunteers and love to teach everyone how to play the game Taco/Burrito.

Now that they are settled in at FHH, Mom has been able to get a case manager at Waldo CAP who, along with David, is guiding her to programs she didn't know were out there. Mom's goal is to save enough for a down payment on her own house, through the first-time home buyer's program. When the kids get a little older, she hopes to pursue training as a hair stylist.

Quotes from Volunteers
March 14, 2026
   
      "I am right off a shift at Family Harbor House, so this is a perfect moment to speak of a wonderful experience. Today I had brief conversations with all of the members of one resident family. They were in the middle of their day and going in and out of the house. The father had been snow plowing half the night. A high point for me was with the mother and their youngest. Thanks to the generosity of a parishioner, I had brought two Dr. Seuss books for the child. At one point, the mother called me to come into the common room where there's a small library of books. The young child had found the new Dr. Seuss books on the lower shelf and was looking at them! And that is the magic of being present at Family Harbor House." 

      "I'll be starting a shift at midnight tonight and going until 8 AM--what I call the graveyard shift. Quiet, peaceful, lovely. This isn't my first midnight-to-8 shift, and what I love most about it is knowing that simply by being present, I'm helping provide a safe, warm, dry place for a family.
       I've also served on other shifts where I've had the chance to meet the family staying at Family Harbor House, which has been a gift. And I've come to deeply appreciate the volunteers I've served alongside--truly wonderful people. Volunteering at Family Harbor House feels like holy work to me. Thanks to the Board, we're given the opportunity to take part in something that truly matters."

Invitation to Volunteering
March 14, 2026
   Family Harbor House needs compassionate people like you to volunteer and join our team, helping to provide lodging, food, and supportive services for local families who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness. Our transitional housing facility, located on Mill Lane in Belfast, can accommodate four families, with the goal of helping them stabilize their lives and relocate to affordable permanent housing in the community. Volunteers help provide a caring and supportive presence, assist with meals, play games with children or offer homework help, and join in the cleaning and upkeep of the program. To inquire about volunteering, use the link below or call 207-218-1001.    Volunteer Info and Form

Belfast City Council Gives Spirit of America Award to MMHC
January 20, 2026
   At the Belfast City Council meeting on January 20, 2026, Mayor Eric Sanders, on behalf of the City Council, presented this award to the board of directors of the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition. This award honors the board for the creation of Family Harbor House, to provide transitional housing to families in Belfast.    See the Presentation

Kathy Muzzy Accepts Award on Behalf of the MMHC Board
January 20, 2026
    Photo: Kathy Muzzy, MMHC Board Chair
   Following the presentation by Mayor Eric Sanders, MMHC board chair, Kathy Muzzy, accepted the award on behalf of the board. The Spirit of America Award, presented by the Belfast City Council, honored the MMHC for the creation of Family Harbor House, a transitional housing facility for up to for families in need.    See the Video