The Midcoast Youth Center, located at 4 Brunswick Road in Bath, Maine, has launched a partnership with DoorDash to support families facing homelessness. This initiative, part of DoorDash’s Community Credits program, provides approximately 30 families with a total of $3,000 in gift cards for food deliveries through the DoorDash app.
According to Daniela Michanie, a spokesperson for DoorDash, the company has formed similar partnerships with organizations such as Preble Street in Portland, Freeport Community Services, and Wayside Food Programs. This collaboration aims to enhance access to nourishing meals for housing-insecure families in the greater Sagadahoc community.
Jamie Dorr, executive director of the Midcoast Youth Center, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “By partnering with DoorDash, we are able to reach even more families across the greater Sagadahoc community and ensure that housing-insecure youth and their loved ones have consistent access to nourishing meals.” The initiative seeks to address obstacles faced by families, such as lack of transportation and limited kitchen facilities.
The gift cards can be used for various deliveries available on the DoorDash platform, including both restaurant and grocery options. Michanie elaborated on the program’s impact, noting, “In this case, it will help families who are stopping in hotel rooms, campers, and transitional apartments or other unstable housing situations to receive a hot meal or some essential groceries delivered directly to them.”
One Bath resident, who requested anonymity to protect her family’s privacy, shared her experience with the DoorDash credits. Having faced homelessness for the first time after losing their home seven months ago, her family of seven has found the program to be a crucial lifeline. “Since we are currently staying in a hotel, we don’t have many options for food,” she explained. “We only have a microwave in our room, so we’re just going to use it for an actual meal from probably McDonald’s.”
The DoorDash deliveries have significantly aided her family, allowing them to enjoy meals during the holiday season. With five children still attending school and her fiancé working a full-time job, the ability to receive timely meals has been transformative for their daily life.
The Midcoast Youth Center’s collaboration with DoorDash represents a strategic effort to combat food insecurity among vulnerable populations. As the community continues to navigate challenges related to housing stability, partnerships like this one play a vital role in providing essential support to families in need. Through this initiative, the Midcoast Youth Center and DoorDash are working together to ensure that no family goes without access to nutritious meals during difficult times.
