FULL PDF OF BUILDING SCHEMATICS
What is Tedford Housing’s plan for its new facility?
The proposed approximately 17,568 square foot new facility will replace our existing aging buildings and increase our adult emergency housing capacity from 16 to 24 beds and the family emergency capacity from 6 families to 10 families. Through the replacement of our aging and poorly configured existing buildings, coupled with the moderate increase in the capacity of our emergency housing program, we will be able to significantly enhance our ability to serve people who are experiencing homelessness.
The proposed single new facility incorporates separate, secure wings for the adult and family emergency housing facilities with a total of 64 emergency housing beds. The family apartment units will contain four beds each, as well as living and dining spaces in each unit. The adult wing will include shared dormitory spaces that will provide beds for a maximum of 24 individuals. The building will provide a kitchen, dining area, and living room for guests in the dormitory-style rooms.
The building also includes space for our case management and administrative offices, conference and meeting rooms, along with a staff break room, mechanical room, and storage space. The facility will be staffed 24 hours a day.
Where is Tedford Housing in the planning process?
We received the final site plan and conditional use approvals from the Town of Brunswick’s Planning Board on Jan. 11, 2022.
We signed the purchase agreement for the land on May 20, 2022.
We are currently finalizing our design/development documents.
Why does Tedford Housing need a new building?
We outgrew our existing adult and emergency housing facilities long ago; those buildings are aging and no longer meet our needs. In order to enhance our capacity to serve people experiencing homelessness, we need to replace and expand our facilities.
Currently, we own our Cumberland Street building where our adult emergency housing operates, but we rent space on Federal Street for our families and we rent office space for our administrative staff. Both of our existing emergency housing buildings are aging and require constant and costly maintenance to keep them in good operating condition for our guests. Because of their locations in downtown Brunswick, site conditions, zoning regulations, and the estimated cost, it would not be feasible or practical to renovate or expand either of our existing facilities.
Why is Tedford Housing incorporating both emergency shelters in a single building?
A single new facility will allow us to provide enhanced case management and emergency housing assistance for our guests while recognizing programmatic and operational efficiencies as well as cost savings derived from having everyone under one roof. Staff will be in constant close proximity to our guests, thus providing an enhanced level of service while also ensuring the safety and security of everyone in the building.
Additionally, having all staff in a single location will provide for improved communication among Tedford Housing’s employees, cut wait times for guest services, and allow for more efficient operations.
Where is the site for Tedford Housing’s proposed new building?
Tedford Housing has purchased two lots that comprise the approximately 3.06-acre project site on the northeasterly side of Thomas Point Road. The site is in the overall Cook’s Corner area. The site abuts other properties owned by the landowner to the northwest and abuts Walmart to the northeast. To the southeast, the site abuts a formerly approved residential subdivision that has not been developed.
Why did you choose this site?
We selected a site that is easily accessible for our guests and is in close proximity to a variety of resources, including health care, employment opportunities, transportation access, retail, and other businesses. This location near Cook’s Corner will allow Tedford Housing to closely collaborate with the hospital, safety net agencies, health care providers, organizations, and community groups to prioritize and address housing needs and service connections for our guests.
This site is appropriately zoned for the conditional use of emergency housing under the Town of Brunswick zoning code. The designated zoning district accommodates a wide range of residential and non-residential uses and is intended to promote a vibrant mixed-use area that continues to serve as a regional commercial center but with added residential development.
Who will use Tedford Housing’s new facility?
Our guests at the new emergency housing building will be individual adults and families who are experiencing homelessness. We primarily serve the residents and communities of Northern Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties but our guests can come from anywhere in Maine.
Most of Tedford Housing’s staff will work at the new facility. Our supportive housing and outreach clients may occasionally stop by to meet with our staff. We are hoping to engage a growing group of volunteers to assist us with our programs and operations as well.
How will Tedford Housing address transportation for shelter guests and clients?
A path from our property to Walmart will provide our guests with easy access to the Brunswick Link bus stop at that location. The Brunswick Link also provides ADA Demand Response curb-to-curb service for our guests who have mobility challenges and qualify for the service; they will not have to walk or wait at one of the fixed-route bus stops.
We will continue to use local taxi services when necessary to transport our guests and we are considering purchasing a vehicle that can be used for the transportation of guests. Plenty of parking will be available for guests who have vehicles and bicycle racks will be provided for those who ride bicycles. Guests will also be able to access walking trails that lead from Cook’s Corner to downtown.
When does Tedford Housing expect its new facility to open?
We hope to complete the planning and approvals process this winter and to break ground spring of 2023.
What is the anticipated cost of Tedford Housing’s new building?
Our consultants are in the process of finalizing cost estimates for various facets of the project.
How does Tedford Housing intend to pay for the new building?
Tedford Housing has been awarded $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding from Cumberland County Government to help cover the cost of constructing this vital new facility. We will also receive approximately $362,000 in ARPA funding through Maine State Housing Authority that can be used for this project.
We will use a combination of philanthropic gifts, grants, and short-term loans to proceed with the construction of our proposed new building. We have already received several gifts from supporters who want to help kick off our capital campaign efforts.
Just as we do currently, we will rely on generous gifts from donors, as well as grants, to cover our annual operating expenses for the new facility.
What will happen to Tedford Housing’s existing emergency housing buildings?
Our Board of Directors has not yet made that decision.
Who is the best contact for more questions or clarification?
Rota Knott, email: rota@tedfordhousing.org or phone: (207) 607-4549
