The Midcoast Youth Center in Bath has launched a partnership with DoorDash to provide essential meals to families facing homelessness. Through DoorDash’s Community Credits program, the nonprofit organization is distributing approximately $3,000 in gift cards to around 30 families within the greater Sagadahoc community.
This initiative aims to address the challenges many families encounter, including limited transportation and restricted access to food assistance programs. According to Daniela Michanie, a spokesperson for DoorDash, the program is designed to enhance food accessibility for those in unstable housing situations. “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,” stated Jamie Dorr, executive director of the Midcoast Youth Center.
Delivering Meals Directly to Families
The gift cards enable families to use the DoorDash app for both restaurant and grocery deliveries. This flexibility is crucial for families living in hotels, campers, or transitional apartments. Michanie elaborated on the benefits, highlighting that this program allows families to receive hot meals or essential groceries delivered directly to their locations.
One Bath resident, who chose to remain anonymous to protect her family’s privacy, shared how the DoorDash credits have significantly improved her situation. Her family of seven has faced homelessness for the past seven months after losing their home. “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 convenience of DoorDash deliveries has proven essential, particularly during the holiday season. The woman’s fiancé is employed full-time, and the couple’s five children are still attending school. The credits have helped ensure that they receive adequate meals despite their challenging circumstances.
Expanding Community Support
DoorDash has previously established similar partnerships with organizations such as Preble Street in Portland, Freeport Community Services, and Wayside Food Programs. These collaborations underline the company’s commitment to addressing food insecurity in various communities.
As the Midcoast Youth Center continues to support vulnerable families, the partnership with DoorDash exemplifies a proactive approach to tackling homelessness and food scarcity. With the assistance of the Community Credits program, families can focus on stability while enjoying the comfort of delivered meals during a difficult time.
