The Remarkable Life of Lucy Poulin.

RURAL poor; FRANCIS, of Assisi, Saint, 1182-1226; WORKING poor; NONPROFIT organizations; UNDERGROUND Railroad (U.S. history); JOB vacancies; EMPLOYMENT agencies

Lucy Poulin, a champion of Maine's rural poor for over 50 years, passed away at the age of 83. She was the founder and director of H.O.M.E. Co-op, a non-profit organization that provides services and employment opportunities for low-income individuals in rural Hancock County, Maine. Poulin's dedication to creating lives of dignity for thousands of people was evident through the various services offered by H.O.M.E. Co-op, including shelter, housing, food, education, and real job opportunities. Poulin's work was inspired by the worldwide Emmaus movement, which focuses on assisting the very poor who are often overlooked by other assistance programs. She came from a rural working-class background and believed in honoring and celebrating the poor and working poor. Poulin's impact extended beyond H.O.M.E. Co-op, as she also helped create the St. Francis Community, a refuge for those who had been marginalized by life. Additionally, H.O.M.E. Co-op became a sanctuary for undocumented refugees and played a role in the underground railroad that led Central American refugees to safety in Canada. Poulin's commitment to the cause was exemplified by her hands-on approach, as she personally participated in building homes for the homeless and worked alongside those in need. Despite her fight for the poor, Poulin possessed an extraordinary power of forgiveness. She listened attentively to others and believed that the fight for the poor was a fight for the souls of all individuals, regardless of their [Extracted from the article]

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