Gift to support efforts to address homelessness

The First Congregational Church of Blue Hill has made a donation of $50,000, part of a tithe from the sale of its historic parsonage last year, to the non-profit H.O.M.E., Inc. to aid community members facing homelessness.
Pastor Lisa Durkee met with H.O.M.E. Executive Director, Rosalani Moore, November 8th, explaining how the congregation voted unanimously at its recent annual meeting to help finance H.O.M.E. programs, in particular the “Diversion” program, with preventive assistance to those in danger of losing their housing. Ms. Moore thanked the church, saying, “we will be so glad to be able to assist people in our community who may end up unhoused without a bit of help” coming from the Diversion fund.
Pastor Lisa said, “We’ve seen the work done by H.O.M.E. for years, with various shelters, with crafts and job training, with child care–always responding to the community needs.” “The congregation discussed many different ways to respond to the problems affecting people around us, but the key issue is housing. H.O.M.E. has the experience to take on this challenge.”
The Congregational Church last year sold its parsonage, built in the early 1800s, as a cost-cutting measure, but did so with a provision that a tithe from the sale would go to serving its community.

Program Numbers 2024

Shelter and Housing

  • 15,745 bed nights provided – 249 guests were sheltered
  • Average shelter stay: 63 days
  • 18 households provided hotel rooms
  • 20 households housed in H.O.M.E.’s rental units
  • 83 individuals diverted from homelessness
  • 1,042 individuals received assistance with linens, hygiene supplies, and household supplies

Food and Resources

  • 47 children provided with backpacks and school supplies
  • 377 individuals received Christmas gifts
  • Food boxes distributed to 2,565 individuals 
  • 267 Holiday food boxes distributed
  • 229,049 pounds of food rescued and distributed
  • 22.5 cord of firewood distributed
  • 28 unduplicated daycare enrollments – 1 subsidy provided

Become a Volunteer

H.O.M.E. provides volunteer opportunities in many departments. From sorting donations to stacking firewood there is something for every skill level here at H.O.M.E., Inc.