| Last updated on April 3, 2008 |
Tedford Housing works to end homelessness in midcoast Maine by providing, in collaboration with others, shelter, housing, and services to those in need.
Description:
Tedford Housing Mission
Tedford Housing works to end homelessness in midcoast Maine by providing, in collaboration with others, shelter, housing, and services to those in need. We work to help people become more self-sufficient and advocate for change so that no one faces the prospect of being without a home.
Tedford Shelter Values
Tedford Shelter is founded on the principle that safe, decent, and affordable housing is a fundamental right. This principle exists within the larger context of quality of life and access to adequate income and health care. Tedford Shelter affirms the responsibility each of us has for our own behaviors and the collective responsibility we have for one another.
Tedford Shelter Vision
Tedford Shelter envisions a community in which no one is homeless. Everyone in this community will have a safe place to live, enjoy optimal health, and have means to a good quality of life
History:
The Brunswick Area Church Council (now the Brunswick Area Interfaith Council) founded the Tedford Shelter in 1987. The first building that housed the shelter was at 10 Pleasant Street, Brunswick. Mr. Tedford, a retired manager of the Senter's Department Store, donated it to he United Methodist Church. The building already had a sign designating it as "Tedford House", so the shelter merely kept the sign and the name. The first Board of Directors consisted mostly of ministers. The shelter received a start-up grant from the United Presbyterian Church, USA during the first two years of operation. Most guests stayed fewer than 5 nights, and only a small number left the shelter for permanent housing.
In 1989, Tedford Shelter became a separate non-profit agency. The director was paid, but volunteers filled all other positions. A decision was made to serve families in a separate location, and the shelter began utilizing motel rooms for this purpose. During this time, former Board member Jane Thompson developed the Meal-A-Month program. Dinner continues to be brought into the shelter by churches, restaurants, and clubs every night of the week. This in-kind support has been invaluable to the success of the organization.
With funds from the Brunswick Housing Authority, Tedford acquired and renovated a building for use as a shelter for adults. In March 1994, the shelter was moved to 49 Cumberland Street in Brunswick.
In 1997, Tedford Shelter collaborated with Shoreline Mental Health Services (now Sweetser) and Coastal Economic Development to create four units of transitional housing for families and four transitional housing units for people with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse.
In the last few years, the major challenge of the board has been to respond to the dramatically increasing numbers of families seeking shelter. In 1999, Tedford Shelter and the Greater Brunswick Housing Corporation (a non-profit corporation formed by the Brunswick Housing Authority) purchased 34 Federal Street, Brunswick. Of the $500,000 total for the purchase and for the renovations needed, Tedford raised $108,000 in contributions, the Greater Brunswick Housing Corporation contributed $210,000, and the remaining funds were raised through grants. Tedford Shelter signed a 30-year lease with the Greater Brunswick Housing Corporation, and manages the six apartments as temporary lodging for homeless families.
Recent initiatives include hiring a full-time Homeless Prevention Coordinator, homeless prevention case management, a rental assistance loan fund, three master lease apartments, and plans for three supported housing facilities.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (207) 725-7626
Address:
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P.O. Box 958
Brunswick, ME 04011 |
Web Site: http://www.tedfordshelter.org
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