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Sponsored by: Healthy Homeworks
Updated: September 27, 2021 2021 Giving Guide

Healthy Homeworks

2022 Goals

Healthy Homeworks improves housing quality in Lewiston and gives residents the education and resources they need to improve their quality of life, including first-time homebuyer education to help people transition from renting to owning their home. Downtown Lewiston’s home ownership rate is estimated to be as low as 4%, and most of its housing was built before 1928 and needs considerable rehabilitation to provide safe, healthy housing to the families who live in the downtown - which is home to the highest concentration of children under 6 in the entire state.

Our goals are to:

  • Complete the pilot of our Renter 2 Owner program in 2021:
  • Deliver the 4-module curriculum and graduate our first cohort of first-time home buyers in 2021
  • Complete the rehabilitation and condominium conversion of a 4-unit multi-family to create 4 affordable starter homes in Lewiston’s downtown
  • Work with lenders to help ensure that appropriate loan products, including Sharia-compliant non-interest bearing loans, are accessible to all cohort members
  • Build on the momentum of the Renter 2 Owner pilot to educate additional cohorts of first-time home buyers in 2022, and identify and enroll additional housing units to be converted into affordable, fully-rehabilitated starter homes in Lewiston.
  • Help pilot the statewide model of a rental registration program in Lewiston, including creating data transparency around housing quality, in partnership with MaineHousing, the City of Lewiston, and Bates College.
“When you are renting, you feel like you are not home. I want to take the next step. First I was a newcomer, and now I want to have my home.” — Henoc, member of first Renter 2 Owner cohort, in front of the Renter 2 Owner pilot property in Lewiston

Fundraising Events / Opportunities

  • Annual Fundraising Campaign, November 2021: Donate online at www.healthyhomeworks.org/donate to help us maintain our programs for the coming calendar year. This year’s drive is focused on expanding the Renter 2 Owner program past its pilot stage so we can continue educating first-time home buyers, especially those who grew up outside of the American financial system, and creating affordable, rehabilitated starter homes in Lewiston.
  • Annual Spring Open House, April 2022: Visit us in Lewiston to see the current property under renovation and meet the team, partners, and participants in our programs. Visit www.healthyhomeworks.org and sign up for our email list to receive an invitation.

Giving Opportunities

We are always seeking partners in the business community who help create quality housing to:

  • Donate new building rehabilitation materials, e.g., replacement windows, fire doors, lumber, paint, etc.
  • Donate rehabilitation services, e.g., demolition; HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services; roof repair/replacement; floor refinishing; finish carpentry; painting preparation and finish.
  • Donate money to expand our educational and property rehabilitation offerings.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Financial literacy and banking professionals to assist in Renter 2 Owner classes
  • Real Estate professionals to assist Renter 2 Owner graduates
  • Construction professionals to supervise rehabilitation activities
  • Anyone willing to learn and apply property management skills

Leadership

Amy Smith, Founder & Executive Director
Susan J. Murr, Board President & Secretary: Principal, Susan J. Murr LLC Chair, Impartiality Committee and Appeals Board

Board officers

Tania Powers, Board Vice President: Community Advocate

Cynthia Lee, Board Treasurer: President, VentureSkills Inc.


Board Members

Dave Holman: Co-Founder & Director, Katahdin Property Management

Todd Bachelder: Senior Vice President & Maine Market Manager, Mascoma Bank

At a Glance:

Established: 2016
Employees: 2
Annual revenue: $73,294

Top funding sources

42% Consulting
24% Bed Sales
20% Grants
14% Private Donations

Contact

550 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 415-4245

https://www.healthyhomeworks.org
https://www.facebook.com/healthyhomeworksorg

Awards / Accolades

Healthy Androscoggin Partnership Award (2019) Amy Smith, Founder & Executive Director of Healthy Homeworks, was awarded the Partnership Award for her efforts to create healthier housing and a thriving downtown Lewiston. 

Mission Statement

Healthy Homeworks is helping to build a thriving Lewiston by improving housing quality and choice, educating and empowering residents to care for their homes and neighborhood, and building city-wide collaborations that bring the community together.

Service locations

Lewiston, ME, which is Maine’s second-largest city and is home to 3 of the 4 poorest census tracts in the state.