Welcome Home Downeast
Mano en Mano is excited to share the latest updates of our newest housing initiative, Welcome Home Downeast (LLC).
Welcome Home Downeast LLC. is a subsidiary of Mano en Mano formed through a partnership with Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC). The project was developed to support families new to the Downeast area rent quality, affordable housing and begin the pathway to home ownership. Welcome Home Downeast’s goal is to purchase, renovate or build 6-7 homes in Milbridge, Cherryfield, Harrington, Gouldsboro or the surrounding area.
This initiative is intended specifically for workers in the agricultural, aquaculture and fishing industries who do not currently live in Downeast Maine, but have a seasonal connection to the area. Families that have been part of the seasonal workforce will be able to rent the newly built or renovated properties. The families will have the option to purchase the home they are renting within 5 years.
Seasonal workers and community members in the Downeast area have continually voiced their concerns about the lack of affordable housing. This shortage of accessible housing creates barriers to homeownership and impedes families ability to stay in the area. Many families interested in living in the Downeast are simply unable to find housing or afford the housing that is available.
This summer, Welcome Home Downeast purchased its first property in the Harrington village center. It is a 1000 sq. ft. 3 bedroom home located less than two miles from the local elementary and high schools and less than a mile from one of the town's largest employers. Currently the home is undergoing renovations that will be completed in October. Upon completion it will be made available to rent!
Populations throughout many areas in rural Maine continue to decline as people move away and seek other opportunities. For communities to thrive, and for our area to be both socially and economically vibrant, people need to be able to put down roots and make this area their home. The long term vision of Welcome Home Downeast is to create a healthier economy for the area and provide a model that can be replicated elsewhere in Washington County and beyond.
We are excited to share news about this program with you, and welcome new families arriving to the Downeast area through Welcome Home Downeast.
Please stay tuned for additional updates and information about how to apply!
If you are interested in learning more about Welcome Home Downeast, LLC please contact Elan Gabel-Richards (egabel-richards@manomaine.org).
Disclosure Regarding Securities
This article does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy securities of Welcome Home Downeast, LLC. Such offers and sales, if any, will be made only to “Accredited Investors,” as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to separate agreements to be negotiated by the parties.
