Each year the Knox County Homeless Coalition (KCHC) holds its Adopt-A-Family program, giving community members an opportunity to purchase holiday gifts for the families they serve in the Midcoast region. This year marks the 7th annual Adopt-A-Family program. The client care team at KCHC is helping more people than ever before—currently reaching about 1,000 individuals, half of whom are children, according to KCHC, in a news release.

Chief Executive elf, Lynn Wildnauer, who has organized the program for the last five years said: "At a time of year that often feels excessive in many ways, it is nice to be a part of something that brings a bit of joy to so many that have so little. Connecting our generous donors with our local friends and neighbors who may need a little extra during the holidays makes me feel the magic of the season.”

A KCHC staff member said: "So many of our neighbors are struggling right now, both financially and emotionally, due to the effects of the pandemic combined with the high cost of food, gas, and heating fuel right now on top of the lack of affordable housing. The need for financial assistance and mental health and wellness services has increased dramatically over the last 3 years. Two in five adults report experiencing anxiety and depression, and more than half of parents are concerned about their children’s mental well-being. This is a great way to provide a little joy in the lives of those who need it most.”

KCHC describes three ways you can bring joy:

1) If you are interested in adopting a family, please order from the online Amazon wishlist below and have the items shipped directly to KCHC where the “elves” will wrap and deliver the gifts.

Wishlist: https://amzn.to/3SFnlVZ

2) If you would like to help with locally-sourced gifts, or just have our elves do the shopping, we gladly accept donations. Our team of elves will purchase gift certificates to local merchants for special local experiences or items, such as a family night at the movies, dinner at a local restaurant, haircuts etc. To make a monetary donation, please go to https://www.homehelphope.org/donate-now and choose “Adopt-A-Family” from the drop down menu.

3) Sign up to volunteer to be a wrapper. Email the elf at adoptafamily@homehelphope.org today to get on the schedule.

Anyone looking for more information about the program can visit: https://www.homehelphope.org/adoptafamily2022 to find out more.

Further questions can be directed to adoptafamily@homehelphope.org.

About Knox County Homeless Coalition

KCHC was formed in 2014 as a grassroots, community initiative to reimagine the delivery of homeless services. In just under eight years, they have evolved to employ a multi-pronged, intergeneration approach that provides compassionate support for highly resilient and often marginalized individuals and families through custom tailored strength-based and trauma-informed programs. We innovate and address root causes of homelessness through community collaboration and tackling affordable housing. The comprehensive approach KCHC takes meets urgent needs while simultaneously focuses on prevention and systemic change. 

Since taking in their first client KCHC has helped more than 2000 people, finding permanent housing for about half of those individuals so far. Through combined services at KCHC and The Landing Place (the comprehensive youth program of KCHC) nearly half of all those served are children and youth.