Board of Missions ~ H. O. M. E.
Press Releases!
- ~ Download Forms for 2008's trip -
- ~ Orland, Maine 2007: Set Free To Serve
- ~ Orland, Maine 2006: Live to Give
- ~ Orland, Maine 2005: Building On The Rock
Mission Overview
H.O.M.E. (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment) is a private nonprofit "Community" located in Orland, Maine. Begun in 1970, under the direction of Sister Lucy Poulin. A basic needs approach to community development; H.O.M.E.'s mission statement is "Serve First - Those Who Suffer Most".
In that 30 plus years, H.O.M.E. has built over 50 houses on land purchased through the State of Maine Land Grants. These houses are built through the combined efforts of the community residents along with a wide range of volunteers.
H.O.M.E. also supplies employment and income for people who have no possibility of finding work. H.O.M.E. has a craft store, a saw mill, an auto repair shop, a wood cabinet shop, a logging company, a horse breeding farm, and more. H.O.M.E. also provides a host of social services including homeless shelters, soup kitchens, a food coop, childcare, preschool, a free medical clinic, educational programs (including a GED program), and more.
First Congregational Church has supported H.O.M.E. for almost twenty years. In addition to financial support, the congregation has donated building materials, appliances m food clothing and more.
Each summer the church sends a group of volunteer high school youth and adult leaders to Orland as a Youth Service Project, Over the years; this adventure has grown from the earliest trip which sent 6 individuals to over 130 workers in recent years. Over 1000 volunteers have been sent by First Congregational Church over the years sharing the bond of Christian brotherhood, building personal and heartfelt relationships and changing the lives of families forever.
Becoming Involved
If you are interested in joining a H.O.M.E. trip or have other questions regarding First Congregational Church's support of H.O.M.E., please click here.
Financial Support
If you are interested in financially supporting H.O.M.E., you can donate electronically or please write a check in the amount you care to give to First Congregational Church and note in the memo field the gift should be used toward the H.O.M.E. mission. The check can be placed in the offering plate at any worship service or can be mailed to the church office: First Congregational Church, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877. 100% of your gift will be sent to the mission and all donations are fully tax deductible.
For more information on H.O.M.E, go to www.homecoop.net.
