Dear Adam,

Spring is just around the corner and days are getting longer! With better weather on the way, our Critical Home Repair Program is gearing up to tackle all the outdoor projects put on hold. We anticipate serving over 200 households through this program in 2025. If you or someone you know are in need of home improvements, visit our website for eligibility requirements and an application.

As the ground thaws, we are getting ready to break ground on our 49th Home Build in Bath in May. We are now accepting applications for families and individuals. Click here for more information.

Our 4th Annual Love to Build Art Auction is now available for viewing at the ReStore in Bath through March 28th. The bidding will be done virtually through the Rally Up platform beginning March 17, with final bids accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, March 28th. Winning bidders will be notified on Friday, March 28th after the auction ends.

Check out a couple of the amazing, donated art pieces!

Heather Kelly donated this exquisite piece, Torus. Crafted using nails, copper wire, and a custom-made laser outline and framed in distressed wood.

Heather Kelly is a South Portland Maine artist, and her work may be found here. 

From Heather, “The torus symbolizes wholeness, unity, and the perpetual flow of life. This artwork elegantly transforms a three-dimensional display, emanating outward before returning to its center for renewal. Within the realm of sacred geometry, the torus represents interconnectedness, illustrating the seamless flow of energy and the intricate balance between the physical and spiritual realms.”

Kelly Desrosiers is a Unity, Maine artist. Her work can be found here.

This piece, Around the Bend- Monhegan, is one of many Monhegan Village compositions. The foliage patterns form a subtle collage, turning toward autumn. The original piece is a mixed media artwork involving a multi-layered technique which Kelly has evolved over several years. Kelly states, "A richly textured surface, with luminous color and visual depth results in overlapping patterns in layers of transparency and complexity representing the intertwined ecological relationships of this special place."

Sunday, May 4, 2024, 2:00- 3:30 PM

This is our largest fundraising/friend raising event of the year! All proceeds benefit our Critical Home Repair Program and our Home Build Program, serving over 200 people annually.

How you can help!

• Register to walk (registration will be open by March 21, 2025)
• Form a team and raise money for your team (get your friends together or consider forming a business or church team!)
• If you're a business, consider becoming a sponsor (it's a great way to partner and promote your business)
• Help with event planning (how fun would it be to work with an amazing event- planning team to pull this together?)
• If you can't walk or participate, consider sponsoring a team (everyone can help in some way)

For more information, contact Chris Wolff.

We'll be sharing more details throughout March. Stay tuned!

The ReStore has returned to regular hours

Tuesday through Saturday

10 AM to 5 PM

A Repair Cafe is a community-based initiative designed to encourage people to repair broken or damaged items rather than discarding them. Curtis Memorial Library partners with other community groups to bring together skilled volunteers who help fix everyday items.

Upcoming Repair Cafe events:

March 22, 10- 12:30: Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

April 5, 10- 12:30: Patten Free Library, Bath

May 3, 10- 12:30: Habitat ReStore, Bath

June 22, 10- 12:30: Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Chip Orcutt, Critical Home Repair Volunteer

What inspired you to get involved with Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine? How long have you been volunteering?

I have always enjoyed volunteering. After our recent move to the Mid Coast, I started looking for something that would have a direct impact to those in need. Habitat quickly served that desire with the Critical Home Repair Program and their goal of creating safer and energy efficient housing for those in need.

What type of projects do you do as a Critical Home Repair Team volunteer?

As a CHR team member we do a lot of home winterization upgrades like installing replacement windows, caulking, and door installations. Another common project is repairing steps, and railings and building ramps for safe access to those wanting to remain in their homes.

What part of volunteering do you enjoy the most?

Maine is a huge state and even on the Mid Coast we are still spread out, so getting out to convene with other people with similar interests assist in housing has been a lot of fun, but a close second is getting a chance to see all beautiful nooks and crannies of Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties.

What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in volunteering with our Critical Home Repair Program?

I really like the people who volunteer and their common interest in helping people. Habitat's model of signing up to help week to week for the team projects is a no pressure commitment. As I am still employed full time this gives me the flexibility to jump in when I can.

Please consider making a donation to help our neighbors live in homes that are affordable, safe, warm, and dry!

You may also send a check to:

Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine

11 Elsinore Ave.

Bath, ME 04530