Tedford Housing, a Brunswick-based nonprofit, has been awarded $50,000 by Bank of America for its efforts to combat homelessness in Maine’s Midcoast region. This funding comes as the organization embarks on constructing a new facility, which broke ground in October.

The Neighborhood Champions program provided Tedford Housing with two years of flexible funding. This support will help provide resources for leadership training, technical coaching, and access to a national network of nonprofits. Tedford Housing Executive Director Andrew Lardie explained that this funding is crucial for the organization’s expansion.

“So many more people in the Midcoast are struggling today who never imagined they would need assistance,” Lardie said. “This funding will allow us to expand our reach and enhance the quality of services in our new facility. The leadership development support will shape our culture-building throughout this transformation, ensuring that ‘Tedford 2.0’ can help more of our neighbors achieve stability more quickly.”

Lardie further emphasized the importance of guidance during the staff transition as the organization expands. He noted that the leadership support will be vital for ensuring staff growth and advancing operational efficiency, including data collection that could influence program and funding decisions.

Tedford Housing provides critical services across the Midcoast, including homelessness prevention and emergency shelters. The nonprofit is currently constructing a new shelter facility on Thomas Point Road, which will consolidate two shelters and administrative offices into one building. The new facility will increase shelter capacity by 60% and is expected to be completed by 2025.

“Presently, at our construction site, we’re pouring concrete footings and below-grade walls,” Lardie said. “We’ll get the building enclosed in mid-spring and expect to finish construction in mid-October, 12 months from groundbreaking.”

Lardie added that the organization had been planning for expansion for 10 years, and the new building will help address the growing housing crisis in Maine.

The $50,000 award comes as part of a fundraising campaign for the new facility. Tedford Housing has raised 97% of its $8.8 million goal, with 459 donors contributing to the campaign. In addition, the organization received a $10,000 grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation in the summer.

Neighborhood Champions is a competitive program by Bank of America that helps nonprofit organizations addressing economic and community challenges. The program provides funding and leadership resources to help nonprofits scale their efforts.

“This year, we celebrate six years of strengthening Maine nonprofits that provide solutions to local challenges and promote economic advancement through Neighborhood Champions,” said Brian King, President of Bank of America Maine. “Providing these high-impact nonprofits with flexible funding and leadership training helps them address critical needs and scale their efforts in our communities. Countless individuals, families, and neighborhoods have felt the profound impact that these nonprofits have had in Maine.”