ROCKPORT — Amy Root joins Knox County Homeless Coalition as the first person to hold the title of Director of Strategic Sustainability at KCHC.

The current global pandemic has escalated the long-standing dire need for affordable housing, according to KCHC, in a news release. With the recent challenges faced by renters and landlords alike, this issue is affecting more Mainers than ever. Knox County Homeless Coalition (KCHC), in conjunction with Maine State Housing Authority and Midcoast Habitat for Humanity is working on an innovative approach to diverse affordable housing through a model that could be replicated in many rural areas across the country. At the same time KCHC is doubling down on its commitment to addressing public health needs and expanding access to non-congregate shelter that has become increasingly critical during COVID-19 through their “tiny home” project.

Every element of KCHC’s comprehensive wraparound programming, including housing, mental health services, and career planning support, reflects their hopeful vision of a supportive community in which all families and individuals have the opportunity for housing and a sustainable productive life.

“To get to a place where that vision becomes reality we are strategically adapting to focus more on prevention and less on triage,” said Executive Director Stephanie Primm, in a KCHC news release. “It isn’t easy in an area where many people are still shocked to realize KCHC actively helping as many as 500+ people on a given day. It requires innovation, collaboration, and strategy at all levels of the organization and community. Part of that effort is to build a larger circle of compassionate citizens who have a deep understanding of the people we care for.”

This ongoing commitment to eliminating systemic and root causes to homelessness, and the development of strategies that further execute their hopeful vision of moving toward more preventative services has prompted Knox County Homeless Coalition to add a new position, Director of Strategic Sustainability.

KCHC welcomes veteran development professional, Amy Root, formerly Development Director of LifeFlight of Maine and most recently the Director of Education and Innovation at Hurricane Island Outward Bound School to the team. Root will be working closely with individuals in the community who share and support the vision of KCHC as well as assisting with navigation of collaborative partnerships for efficient delivery of services for the community. 

“I believe the Coalition is at a critical tipping point,” said Root, “No longer a small shelter start-up, the comprehensive, full-service organization focused on prevention, is poised to be a game-changing state leader and innovative model for addressing homelessness. I am excited to join the fierce team that rolled up their sleeves and pivoted priorities during the onset of the pandemic, and who have not let off the gas since. Armed with my fundraising background and strategic planning experience, this is a great fit. Personally, though, it is the mission that is lighting my fire. I look forward to sharing the success stories and vision for the future — I’m all in!”

To find out more about how you can make a difference to those who are experiencing homelessness in our area, or to support KCHC’s vision and focus on prevention, contact the Coalition at 207-593-8151 or info@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 seven years, they have evolved to employ a multi-pronged, two-generation approach that provides compassionate support for highly resilient and often marginalized individuals and families through custom tailored strength-based and trauma-informed programs. They innovate and address root causes of  homelessness through skill development, advocacy and community collaboration. 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.