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Joe Galli, Executive Director Nicole Cico, Social WorkerEleanor Doole, Sales AssociateEdith Lander, Sales AssociateBarbara McGaughey, Director of Social EntrepeneurshipSharon Morrill, Senior Sales AssociateShea Morrill, Sales Associate Mary Oplinger, Program Director

Resident SpotlightOur Resident Spotlight features a family participating in the Rochester Supportive Housing program, a housing program for homeless families in which Fair Tide provides a variety of targeted support services. Recently, our Case Manager Nicole Cico sat down with this family’s single father to find out how they became homeless and what has happened since they moved into their apartment in March of 2009.

“I had no car, so I was not able to get to work or obtain employment,” he says. “I was living with family and sharing a bedroom with my young daughter and girlfriend with all our belongings. Things just weren’t working out--too crowded and too many people in the house.”

According to the dad, they literally had no place to sleep when they were accepted to spend the night at the Rochester Seasonal Shelter.

“We found out that we were able to stay there until we found something more permanent. We were referred to this program by the Seasonal Shelter and an apartment was available. I had nothing but a trash bag full of clothes when I moved into this apartment.”

Since entering the Rochester Supportive Housing program, dad states he has been able to get custody of his son, build his credit, get a vehicle, own things he never had before, address medical issues, get medical insurance set up for himself, pay bills on time, and is participating with Vocational Rehab for career counseling to gain employment.

He adds that stable housing has been the best thing the program has offered.

“A stable place to live for myself and my kids has been a huge help.” In addition, financial assistance and assistance getting connected with all the appropriate community resources has kept him moving forward. Knowing that his family is safe and secure is the best feeling. He also states, “Everything I have is because of me being in this program.”

Fair TidingsSpring 2011

Fair Tide...helping families move forward

Our mission is to provide short-term affordable housing in a safe dignified

setting for people who are homeless. With the help of the community, Fair Tide will provide advocacy, support and referrals to assist residents in their move toward permanent housing and financial self-sufficiency.

Brad Hirst, PresidentSecond Christian Congregational United Church of Christ

Wanda McDonough, Vice PresidentFamilies First Health & Support Center

Maureen Raynes, TreasurerPeople’s United Bank

Charline Ludgate, SecretaryInternational Women’s Club of New England

Barbara KelleherFair Tide Program Graduate

Karen PetersonDavidson-Peterson Associates

Janet Stitt, LCSWClinical Social Worker

Become our fan!

www.facebook.com/FairTide.

“I truly don’t know where my daughter and I would be if I hadn’t gotten into this program.”

Board of Directors

Staff

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Thrift Store News

...Moving families toward self-sufficiency

The members of South Church Unitarian Universalist in Portsmouth have voted to give Fair Tide the split-plate collection for March in the amount of $480.06. According to Executive Director Joe Galli, the donation came as a complete surprise.

“When I received the call from Nancy Hoop, I was just ecstatic,” he said. “This donation will help us provide direct support services to our transitional housing residents--what an amazing show of support by South Church. In this still difficult economy, support like this is crucial.”

Outreach Associate Nancy Hoop and Executive Director Joe Galli

Volunteers and Collaboration Key to Fair Tide’s Success With net proceeds used to support the agency’s Transitional Housing Program, the Fair Tide Thrift Store could not operate without its loyal volunteer base. From tagging clothing and cleaning shelves to prepping items for pricing, volunteers help keep the store looking fresh and full everyday. Payroll savings from volunteerism has been approximately $30,000 annually.

While many of our volunteers have been with us a long time with two of our program graduates helping out nearly everyday, we have recently been joined by several area high school students looking to fulfill their school’s community service component. We view this as a job training program where students undergo a formal orientation to learn store policies and procedures and understand their responsibilities.

We have also worked with UNH Professor and Kittery resident Kate Hanson, who has been instrumental at getting the word out about Fair Tide and its mission. She has referred a couple of students who are now working with us as part of a project in their classes and helping us plan our events.

In addition to our emphasis on recycling and repurposing used items, we have also become involved in a number of community-based initiatives. In the past six months, we have held a back to school backpack and supply drive, a One Warm Coat drive with Barbour Collection, a food drive, and a Prom Dress Revival. Volunteers

have been crucial to these outreach efforts, proving once again that working togther helps a community stay together.

Community Recognizes Fair TideSouth Church Supports Fair Tide

Program NewsHousing Assistance Vouchers Funding for housing assistance vouchers, a mainstay of the funding equation for the Fair Tide agency and its graduates, is in doubt.

At program start in 2004, it was decided that the Fair Tide program budget would be offset by securing Section 8 housing assistance vouchers, allowing Fair Tide to charge the allowable higher rent for each apartment. Residents contribute 30% of their income to rent and the voucher pays the remainder. In addition, these vouchers are “portable” and give graduates of our program a better chance of affording permanent housing post Fair Tide.

In 2004, residents were realizing Section 8 assistance in a matter of weeks. Today, just seven years later, we wait for up to a year for this assistance. Future cuts in funding for housing assistance vouchers are certain. Without

a voucher, only 30% of resident income is collected for rent. Cutbacks in the funding of Section 8 impacts not only Fair Tide financially, but also impacts our graduates if they leave Fair Tide without a securing a voucher. They need to be financially fit and able to secure a living wage, which adds up to earning over $20/hour for the Seacoast. Fair Tide always operates at full capacity and there is always a waitlist of those needing our services. We received 112 referrals for housing from March 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011. Available space dictates that we cannot help everyone, and now we must consider this financial gap and what it means for our residents. Without housing assistance upon graduation, achieving financial self sufficiency is more important than ever.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Fair Tide is within two months of ending its second year of providing supportive ser vices to 12 formerly homeless families in Rochester, New Hampshire. We are able to do this through a unique collaboration with nonprofit low-income housing developer, The Housing Partnership of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which owns and operates the 4 properties where the families are housed. Fair Tide supports these families with its successful model of weekly one-on-one family meetings, monthly resident meeting, and other vital ser vices and advocacy. In addition to these 12 families, we provide ser vices to 5 families at our Wentworth Street, Kitter y location. In total, we provide critically needed support ser vices to 17 families, which include 20 adults and 30 children.

Fair Tide has always been mission focused and managed with a lean staff of professionals. Reductions in the federally funded Section 8 voucher program and reduced thrift store sales due to the proliferation of area thrift and consignment stores (8-10 openings in the last 12 months alone) have caused us to tighten our financial belts even further.

Recent administrative cost savings have been the elimination of a staff position and reduction of staff hours. As we approach the budget season for the upcoming fiscal year we anticipate other changes to reduce administrative costs. These adjustments are needed to meet the challenges of these difficult economic times. Both board and staff are committed to continue to maintain a lean budget, but a budget that does not materially affect the work we do in support of our mission. The spring season brings a sense of renewal to all of us. Fair Tide provides hope and a chance of renewal to the homeless throughout the year. Thank you for your past support and please continue to support Fair Tide in the future.

Sincerely,

Joe Galli, Executive Director

“Fair Tide has been there every step of the way, helping us up when we fall, and recognizing when we did great.”

Executive Director Joe Galli

“The folks at Bob’s Clam Hut have long had enormous respect for the work done at Fair Tide. Years ago, when Bob’s first became aware of Fair Tide a bunch of “hutters” (our affectionate name for Bob’s staff ) furnished and painted some of the apartments Fair Tide makes available for transitional housing. Our staff got so much satisfaction from that experience. We feel Fair Tide provides an essential service to our community and we value it tremendously. We have also known Fair Tide to be an extremely well run and creative non-profit. Their successful thrift store is evidence of this. It is both a sustainable business and environmental model. It was only natural that we wanted Fair Tide to be one of the main recipients of the money raised at the Kittery Block Party.”

Bob’s Clam Hut shows support

Bob’s Clam Hut Owner Michael Landgarten

Yard SaleOur Annual Yard Sale takes place Saturday, May 21st from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. Join us as we bring the whole store into our Thrift Store parking lot at 15 State Road in Kittery. There will be prizes and refreshments and never seen before items. And don’t forget, all proceeds benefit Fair Tide’s transitional housing program!

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Thrift Store News

...Moving families toward self-sufficiency

Volunteers and Collaboration Key to Fair Tide’s Success With net proceeds used to support the agency’s Transitional Housing Program, the Fair Tide Thrift Store could not operate without its loyal volunteer base. From tagging clothing and cleaning shelves to prepping items for pricing, volunteers help keep the store looking fresh and full everyday. Payroll savings from volunteerism has been approximately $30,000 annually.

While many of our volunteers have been with us a long time with two of our program graduates helping out nearly everyday, we have recently been joined by several area high school students looking to fulfill their school’s community service component. We view this as a job training program where students undergo a formal orientation to learn store policies and procedures and understand their responsibilities.

We have also worked with UNH Professor and Kittery resident Kate Hanson, who has been instrumental at getting the word out about Fair Tide and its mission. She has referred a couple of students who are now working with us as part of a project in their classes and helping us plan our events.

In addition to our emphasis on recycling and repurposing used items, we have also become involved in a number of community-based initiatives. In the past six months, we have held a back to school backpack and supply drive, a One Warm Coat drive with Barbour Collection, a food drive, and a Prom Dress Revival. Volunteers

have been crucial to these outreach efforts, proving once again that working togther helps a community stay together.

Community Recognizes Fair TideSouth Church Supports Fair Tide

Program NewsHousing Assistance Vouchers Funding for housing assistance vouchers, a mainstay of the funding equation for the Fair Tide agency and its graduates, is in doubt.

At program start in 2004, it was decided that the Fair Tide program budget would be offset by securing Section 8 housing assistance vouchers, allowing Fair Tide to charge the allowable higher rent for each apartment. Residents contribute 30% of their income to rent and the voucher pays the remainder. In addition, these vouchers are “portable” and give graduates of our program a better chance of affording permanent housing post Fair Tide.

In 2004, residents were realizing Section 8 assistance in a matter of weeks. Today, just seven years later, we wait for up to a year for this assistance. Future cuts in funding for housing assistance vouchers are certain. Without

a voucher, only 30% of resident income is collected for rent. Cutbacks in the funding of Section 8 impacts not only Fair Tide financially, but also impacts our graduates if they leave Fair Tide without a securing a voucher. They need to be financially fit and able to secure a living wage, which adds up to earning over $20/hour for the Seacoast. Fair Tide always operates at full capacity and there is always a waitlist of those needing our services. We received 112 referrals for housing from March 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011. Available space dictates that we cannot help everyone, and now we must consider this financial gap and what it means for our residents. Without housing assistance upon graduation, achieving financial self sufficiency is more important than ever.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Fair Tide is within two months of ending its second year of providing supportive ser vices to 12 formerly homeless families in Rochester, New Hampshire. We are able to do this through a unique collaboration with nonprofit low-income housing developer, The Housing Partnership of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which owns and operates the 4 properties where the families are housed. Fair Tide supports these families with its successful model of weekly one-on-one family meetings, monthly resident meeting, and other vital ser vices and advocacy. In addition to these 12 families, we provide ser vices to 5 families at our Wentworth Street, Kitter y location. In total, we provide critically needed support ser vices to 17 families, which include 20 adults and 30 children.

Fair Tide has always been mission focused and managed with a lean staff of professionals. Reductions in the federally funded Section 8 voucher program and reduced thrift store sales due to the proliferation of area thrift and consignment stores (8-10 openings in the last 12 months alone) have caused us to tighten our financial belts even further.

Recent administrative cost savings have been the elimination of a staff position and reduction of staff hours. As we approach the budget season for the upcoming fiscal year we anticipate other changes to reduce administrative costs. These adjustments are needed to meet the challenges of these difficult economic times. Both board and staff are committed to continue to maintain a lean budget, but a budget that does not materially affect the work we do in support of our mission. The spring season brings a sense of renewal to all of us. Fair Tide provides hope and a chance of renewal to the homeless throughout the year. Thank you for your past support and please continue to support Fair Tide in the future.

Sincerely,

Joe Galli, Executive Director

Program Director Mary Oplinger

“The folks at Bob’s Clam Hut have long had enormous respect for the work done at Fair Tide. Years ago, when Bob’s first became aware of Fair Tide a bunch of “hutters” (our affectionate name for Bob’s staff ) furnished and painted some of the apartments Fair Tide makes available for transitional housing. Our staff got so much satisfaction from that experience. We feel Fair Tide provides an essential service to our community and we value it tremendously. We have also known Fair Tide to be an extremely well run and creative non-profit. Their successful thrift store is evidence of this. It is both a sustainable business and environmental model. It was only natural that we wanted Fair Tide to be one of the main recipients of the money raised at the Kittery Block Party.”

Yard SaleOur Annual Yard Sale takes place Saturday, May 21st from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. Join us as we bring the whole store into our Thrift Store parking lot at 15 State Road in Kittery. There will be prizes and refreshments and never seen before items. And don’t forget, all proceeds benefit Fair Tide’s transitional housing program!

Director of Social EntrepeneurshipBarbara McGaughey

“Fair Tide has offered me a place of support and safety at a time when my family needed it the most.”

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Kittery Block PartyIn recognition for its work with the homeless population, Fair Tide has been selected as beneficiary of The

Kittery Block Party along with the Kittery Recreation Department.This event will take place in downtown Kittery on June 18th from 10 am to 4 pm in a celebration of local art, culture, and food.

Presented by Bob’s Clam Hut and the Town of Kittery, the theme behind the family-friendly event is “Building Bridges” to help expand awareness regarding the impact of bridge closures as well as to strengthen community ties.

“This is the kind of event that can bring us together as a community,” said Galli. “Their recognition of our role in the community makes it special--any opportunity to raise awareness regarding the need for our services is huge.”

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.kittery.org, call 207-439-3800, or visit the event’s Facebook page – Kittery Block Party.

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE s/b

PAID PERMIT NO.35 KITTERY, ME

03904One Government StreetKittery, Maine 03904www.fairtide.org

Fair Tide in the Neighborhood

Irving Oil has signed on to assist Fair Tide at its Thrift Store and house on Wednesday, May 11th for United Way’s Annual Day of Caring, which connects local businesses with nonprofits. This annual Seacoast event enables nonprofits like Fair Tide to complete tasks they normally would not be able to complete.

Thank you United Way and Ir ving Oil!

United Way Day of Caring

Ways YOU Can HelpWe need donations of toiletries, gas cards, and other essentials so we can help residents manage unforseen emergencies.

Please call (207) 439-6376, or email programdirector@fairtide.org to learn more.