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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 J U N E 1 5 , 2 0 2 6 AWA R D C O M M U N I T Y I M PA C T AWA R D S CAMPAIGN EXCELLENCE: Finding a solution for midcoast homelessness B y T i n a F i s c h e r Brunswick-based Tedford Housing's capital campaign reflected a broad-based coalition of support that com- bined fundraising, advocacy and community engage- ment to help address the needs of the growing home- less population in midcoast Maine. e five-year campaign, a first for the nonprofit, raised $9.2 million, exceeding its goal by 11%, from a broad range of local businesses, community organiza- tions, foundations and more than 450 individuals. Support included funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, MaineHousing, First National Bank and the MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital/Lincoln County Health Improvement Fund. Tedford Housing provides emergency shelter, per- manent supportive housing and homelessness preven- tion for adults and families in Sagadahoc, northern Cumberland, Lincoln and southern Androscoggin counties. It is the only emergency housing resource serving Lincoln County. Across Tedford's service area, an estimated 1,200 people experienced homelessness at some point during the past year, including over 600 K-12 students. Funds raised supported the construction of an expanded emergency shelter and resource center in Brunswick. e 17,000-square-foot facility, which opened last November, has allowed the organization to increase capacity for individuals and families by 60%. e new building has also allowed for centralized case management services, which include connecting clients with resources for permanent housing, health- care, education and employment. "is new facility is more than just additional beds," says Andrew Lardie, executive director of Tedford Housing. "It's a physically accessible and dignified home where people can heal, work with highly skilled staff and access the resources they need to get back into permanent housing as quickly as possible." "It will be a lifeline for the 80 or so additional guests we'll be able to serve each year," Lardie says. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and organizational transition, the effort — orchestrated by a lean staff — showcased resilience and adaptability. Beyond capital results, the campaign raised public awareness about housing insecurity, engaged a large number of volunteers and strengthened Tedford's role as a regional leader in providing dignity-centered care for Mainers struggling with homelessness. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Karin Otto pours heart and leader- ship into Heart of Ellsworth B y L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r In one year alone, Karin Otto poured 936 volunteer hours into her role as board president of Heart of Ellsworth, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the downtown district's economic and cultural vitality. Since joining the board in 2023 and stepping into the board president role in early 2024, Otto has pro- vided leadership through a period of rapid growth and transformation. In 2025, she guided strategy, strength- ened internal systems, supported staff development and advanced community initiatives. "I truly appreciate the value that an organization like Heart of Ellsworth can contribute to the commu- nity," Otto says. "I greatly respect the time and dedica- tion required to raise funds successfully, implement and coordinate programs, and manage budgets." Otto is a resident of Ellsworth, a management con- sultant and an artist. Besides her consulting business, she has spent over 16 years volunteering in the non- profit arts sector and creative economy. Most relevant to Heart of Ellsworth's goals and objectives is the 10 years spent working with Waterfall Arts in Belfast, through 2021. During that time, she spent eight years on the board of directors, three as chair. She also sat on and chaired various committees, coordinated programs and curated exhibitions. Otto drew on her more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit operations and human resources to lead the development of Heart of Ellsworth's governance structures, staffing models and reporting systems. ose efforts resulted in a new organizational framework that includes one permanent staff role and three consultative positions, significantly increasing Heart of Ellsworth's capacity to deliver program and manage partnerships. "Karin Otto has demonstrated exceptional dedication by going far beyond the traditional role of a volunteer president, taking on a deeply hands-on and solutions- oriented leadership approach during a critical time of organizational growth," wrote Cara Romano, Heart of Ellsworth's executive director, in her nomination of Otto. Otto's leadership was instrumental in achiev- ing Main Street America accreditation, elevating the organization's credibility and access to resources. She championed the launch of the 16 State St. Makerspace, expanding arts and cultural programming in down- town Ellsworth. She has strengthened partner- ships with the city of Ellsworth, aligning Heart of Ellsworth's work with the city's comprehensive plan. Under her guidance, the organization engaged more than 50 volunteers contributing over 1,800 hours, while securing key funding for major community proj- ects like the Riverwalk expansion. Otto's hands- on, strategic approach has transformed Heart of Ellsworth into a sustainable driver of downtown revitalization and civic engagement. "Her willingness to contribute extensive time, apply professional expertise and step into complex challenges reflects an extraordinary level of commitment and initiative that has had a transformative impact on the organiza- tion and the commu- nity," wrote Romano. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F K A R I N O T T O P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Andrew Lardie is executive director of Tedford Housing in Brunswick. Heart of Ellsworth's board president Karin Otto contributed 986 volunteer hours in a single year.