Stepping Stone Executive Summary
The nonprofit Stepping Stone Housing Inc. plans to continue its mission to provide temporary affordable housing in Lincoln County after acquiring a 4.96-acre parcel of land in Bristol.
In 2014, Stepping Stone began developing the Blue Haven property in Damariscotta for temporary housing. The organization originally planned to replace the house and four rentals on the property with a six-unit apartment building to provide temporary, affordable housing for those in need.
After the proposal was met with resistance from neighbors, Stepping Stone has since scaled back the plan to maintaining five cottages on the property, all of which are currently occupied.
Stepping Stone Chairman Bill Howlett said the organization currently has no plans to continue …show more content…
If the organization receives numerous applicants for the Bristol property, Howlett said there is a possibility to construct additional housing units, however all plans would be approved and discussed with the Bristol Planning Board before going forward.
“We’ve learned to ask rather than assume,” Howlett said. “We have a wish for the property, but we want to make sure our wishes match with the regulations of the town.”
To help offset the costs of operating and renovating both the Damariscotta and Bristol properties, Stepping Stone plans to have a tennis tournament fundraiser in February. The organization also accepts donations.
Howlett encouraged those in need of temporary housing or aware of someone who could benefit from temporary housing to reach out to local ministers or the general assistance representative in town offices.
“We know there are people out there who need this,” Howlett said. “It’s not just one or two people. There are dozens, and we might not even know about some.”
More information about Stepping Stone is available at http://www.steppingstonehousing.com/. The organization can also be reached at PO Box 21, Damariscotta, ME
In 2014, Stepping Stone began developing the Blue Haven property in Damariscotta for temporary housing. The organization originally planned to replace the house and four rentals on the property with a six-unit apartment building to provide temporary, affordable housing for those in need.
After the proposal was met with resistance from neighbors, Stepping Stone has since scaled back the plan to maintaining five cottages on the property, all of which are currently occupied.
Stepping Stone Chairman Bill Howlett said the organization currently has no plans to continue …show more content…
If the organization receives numerous applicants for the Bristol property, Howlett said there is a possibility to construct additional housing units, however all plans would be approved and discussed with the Bristol Planning Board before going forward.
“We’ve learned to ask rather than assume,” Howlett said. “We have a wish for the property, but we want to make sure our wishes match with the regulations of the town.”
To help offset the costs of operating and renovating both the Damariscotta and Bristol properties, Stepping Stone plans to have a tennis tournament fundraiser in February. The organization also accepts donations.
Howlett encouraged those in need of temporary housing or aware of someone who could benefit from temporary housing to reach out to local ministers or the general assistance representative in town offices.
“We know there are people out there who need this,” Howlett said. “It’s not just one or two people. There are dozens, and we might not even know about some.”
More information about Stepping Stone is available at http://www.steppingstonehousing.com/. The organization can also be reached at PO Box 21, Damariscotta, ME