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A volunteer brings donations to Seeds of Hope. Contributed / Vassie Fowler
Biddeford’s Seeds of Hope has made preparations to help the unhoused population as winter approaches, including opening new sleeping areas.
The organization is committed to supporting the community year-round, executive director Vassie Fowler told the Courier.
“We provide basic life support,” Fowler said. “Our neighbors, as we call the people we serve, receive a warm smile and a friendly listening ear without judgment.”
During the colder months, access to organizations like Seeds of Hope is especially important for people experiencing homelessness, she said.
Fowler wants to make sure she can provide a hot shower, a comforting meal, warm clothing and a safe place to sleep to anyone who needs it.
Since early summer, Seeds of Hope has been renovating the building’s former worship hall to accommodate more people than ever before.
Fowler expects to open the space to the public in the coming days.
“The space has been transformed into a comfortable, functional, energy efficient and safe area where our unhoused population can spend a cold winter night,” Fowler said.
Seeds of Hope hosted a fundraising event this month in their newly renovated space. Contributed / Vassie Fowler
Recently, Seeds of Hope held their annual “Not the Brunch” fundraiser in the newly renovated space. The event was originally planned to take place at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, but with costs exceeding ticket prices, the staff pivoted and found the next best solution.
“This fortuitous turn of events allowed us to showcase our newly renovated upstairs space,” Fowler said. “We sold out and had a great turnout.”
The renovation cost approximately $800,000 to complete, and the project was fully funded by the City of Biddeford.
Mayor Martin Grohman recently told the Courier that the city is committed to finding solutions to homelessness.
Currently, Grohman is involved with an ad hoc group that meets weekly and works to place people in some form of housing and find a way out of homelessness.
“Working together, we want to address the root causes of homelessness and create more sustainable, long-term solutions for the unhoused population,” said Grohman.
Housing offers a longer-term solution for people experiencing homelessness, Seeds of Hope volunteer Thomas McPheeters told the Courier.
“Anyone with half a brain can see that unless we get people to do something permanent, things are only going to get worse,” he said.
A volunteer sorts winter clothing at Seeds of Hope. Contributed / Vassie Fowler
This goal is shared with Seeds of Hope, which helps homeless people find resources for housing, substance abuse treatment and other resources.
But the first step is meeting basic needs.
Seeds of Hope encourages people to donate new or like-new sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, socks, winter coats, hats, gloves and boots to help their neighbors.
“Having less doesn’t mean you earn less than those who have more,” Fowler said.
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