EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT H.O.M.E.
H.O.M.E. (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment) is a private, nonprofit “community” in Orland, Maine. Begun in 1970, under the direction of Sister Lucy Poulin, H.O.M.E.’s mission is to help less fortunate people in this part of the state.
The initial objective of H.O.M.E. (and the source of its name) was to supply employment and income for people who had no possibility of finding work. A craft co-op was established to take locally produced, hand-made crafts and sell them to travelers along busy Route 1, returning the revenues to the craftsmen. Today over 400 craftsmen sell their products through the co-op.
Over the 40 years of its life in Maine, H.O.M.E. has continued to grow as it has responded to the needs of people in the area. Other programs include:
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Construction & financing of affordable housing.
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Operation of multiple shelters.
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Establishment of businesses to support the community & supply employment.
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Social support programs including a food co-op, childcare, preschool, a free medical clinic, education programs, and many more.