Mainspring offers a dignified, efficient, and effective model of care that empowers individuals to navigate the pathway out of poverty.
About Us
In 2019, conversations began between several social service agencies in the community on how best to meet the needs of our neighbors. At the foundation of this conversation was the belief that the ability to care for oneself and one’s family is the heartbeat of a healthy community. The desire to collaborate more meaningfully was the point of conversation for two years while vision, research, and strategy were developed. It was from these conversations and strategizing that Mainspring was born.
Fair Tide and Footprints pitched the project to the York County Commissioners in 2021 and were awarded $750,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from York County. In April 2022, Fair Tide purchased the property at 22 Shapleigh Road Kittery, Maine. The property is nearly 2-acres and is zoned for the variety of uses this project requires.
With a combined 55 years of experience serving the Seacoast communities, Fair Tide and Footprints are well-positioned to lead this endeavor. The two organizations, alongside strong boards of directors and an experienced capital campaign committee, are directing a robust team of architects, engineers, and consultants to bring the vision of this one-stop-shop resource center to life. In late 2024, Mainspring will open its doors to the public, paving the path toward a thriving Seacoast community.
View our full leadership team here.
Emily Flinkstrom, Executive Director of Fair Tide (left) and Megan Shapiro-Ross, Executive Director of Footprints (right) in front of the existing building at 22 Shapleigh Road Kittery, Maine.
Founding Partners
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Fair Tide
Fair Tide was founded in 1998 with the mission of reducing homelessness by providing housing and supportive services to individuals and families in the Seacoast. Fair Tide develops, owns, and manages deeply affordable housing; partners with landlords to match clients to rental units in the private market; and provides ongoing, targeted case management support to ensure long-term stability.
At Mainspring, Fair Tide will provide housing assistance, short and long-term case management, a flexible emergency needs fund, and our thrift store with low-cost clothing and housewares.
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Footprints
Footprints was founded in 1992 and exists to reduce the impact of hunger in the region and also to share resources and support the lives of those who have joined the Footprints community without regard to race, color, creed, sex, gender, or national origin.
At Mainspring, Footprints will provide their new market-model food pantry, prepared meals, cooking/nutrition classes, culinary job training, weekly community supper, home delivery, pet food pantry, spice shelf program, community support fund, off-site pantries, and refrigerated lockers for after-hour services.
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York County Community Action
Community Outreach Program - This program provides a dedicated staff member to connect people with programs and services that offer financial assistance, referrals, education, and advocacy during times of crisis or transition.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program - Serves pregnant women, infants, and children from birth to age five. Offers one-on-one health and nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support. WIC also helps parents and foster parents pay for nutritious food and formula if breastfeeding is not an option. Nutrition professionals monitor weight, immunizations, and dietary needs to achieve optimal health.
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Adult Education - Daytime classes
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Resources
Financial Literacy and Coaching
Fuel and Utility Assistance
General Assistance - A program available in every municipality which provides financial assistance to help qualified individuals and families meet their basic needs - sometimes referred to as "welfare"
Legal Aid
MaineHealth - Prescription assistance, access to free/low-cost medical care and health insurance navigation
Medical Services
Mental and Behavioral Health - Counseling, resources, and referrals
Seacoast Outright - LGBTQ+ programming
Substance Use Recovery Support
Table of Plenty - Weekly hot meals
Tax Preparation Assistance
Veterans Services
*We are still developing new partnerships and adding programs and services to Mainspring. Stay tuned for updates as these solidify closer to opening.
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Community Garden
Computer, Printer, and Internet Use
Day-Time Warming and Cooling Center
Shower Facilities
FAQs
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No, the organizations are entering into a mutually beneficial, co-ownership venture which will allow them to enjoy the benefits of locating their services on the same site while maintaining their unique programs and services.
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Fair Tide and Footprints will co-own the property by creating separate condos. The Mainspring facility will be divided into two condos, and the housing project will be a separate condo owned and managed by Fair Tide. We are working with a real estate attorney to guide us through this process.
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Fair Tide and Footprints are in the midst of a capital campaign to support the development of the Mainspring facility. The campaign goal is $6.3 million, which includes the acquisition of the property paid for by York County ARPA funds. The remaining dollars raised through the campaign will be used to cover the costs to design, renovate, expand and outfit the Mainspring facility.
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Fair Tide and Footprints are jointly embarking on this capital campaign. Together, they are working diligently to lead a strong team of board and steering committee members to raise the funds to complete this project.
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Our goal is to raise all of the funds needed by late fall 2024, the time we are expecting to open our doors. If we do not reach that goal, we will tap into a bridge loan to complete the project. However, this will increase our campaign goal by adding financing expenses.
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The property is located at 22 Shapleigh Road in Kittery, a highly visible location, and one that is easily accessible for residents of the Seacoast. The road is well traveled and is en route to the only pharmacy in the area as well as one of the main entrances to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The property is nearly 2 acres and is zoned for the variety of uses this project calls for. Additionally, 22 Shapleigh sits in close proximity to a senior, affordable housing development as well as one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the area.
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Yes! The property will be home to a new and much improved Fair Tide Thrift Store which will continue to offer low-cost clothing and housewares to the community. The new space holds great potential to increase this critical funding stream for Fair Tide, as well as expand the ways in which the thrift store benefits the community.
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If you’d like to support the campaign, please make your check out to “Mainspring” so that we can ensure the funds will go towards this exciting project.
Checks can be sent to:
Mainspring
℅ Fair Tide
15 State Road
Kittery, ME 03904All donations to Mainspring are tax deductible through Fair Tide’s EIN 01-0525140.
Ongoing program and operating support for both Fair Tide and Footprints is also essential for both organizations to continue to serve the community while the campaign is underway. You can learn about the ways to support each organization by visiting Fair Tide’s site and Footprints’ site.
Contact
We are stronger together and can do great things as a Seacoast community. If you would like to get involved, make a major gift, or simply learn more, please reach out to our team.