Walker (left) at Ice Cream Truck Day
BATH—Bath Housing welcomes Christine Walker as its new Resident Services Coordinator, replacing Kathy Smith who retired after five years in the position and a career serving the midcoast community through various nonprofits before joining Bath Housing.
Christine has built a notable career serving the community through Brunswick’s Independence Association for some 28 years, and has deep experience in case management, community collaborations, service coordination, resource exploration and referrals, advocacy work and program management.
Walker had family connections to Bath Housing, with two grandmothers who lived at the Moorings when she was young. She grew up visiting regularly (“great memories!”), so Bath Housing has long been a part of her life.
It was that personal connection and her love of people – and service to those in need – that drew her to the Resident Services job. “I had talked with Kristen McEvoy at Bath Housing about their amazing Comfortably Home program to see how I could help someone in my family, and I knew (Deputy Director) Jess Irish from personal connections when I was at IA. Getting to know them, and the work that is done in this position as Resident Services Coordinator, well, it just seemed like a natural fit.”
Walker is a licensed social worker, and being a “helper” appears to be in her DNA. The role of the RSC is to assist and support residents with a range of needs, from finding resources related to health or food insecurity for example, or helping with referrals for caregivers and doctors. “Do they know their options and what organizations are out there?” she said. “Do they know what Bath Housing can help with, what benefits we might offer? It’s about making sure they know what is available and finding things that are a good fit.”
Executive Director Debora Keller says that the RSC role is what makes Bath Housing more than just a landlord. “We are consistently monitoring the needs of residents and the communities and then connecting residents with existing resources – or creating new resources — to enhance their well-being, stability, and quality of life.”
“A critical part of my job is to build positive relationships so residents are comfortable seeking me out,” Walker said. “While there are administrative tasks with this work, the priority is connections with the residents through social events, educational in-services and resource sharing.”
Outside of work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family and friends, caring for her pets and chickens, and loves visiting local beaches and camping all around New England.
“I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting Kathy and receiving some training from her; she’s amazing!” Walker enthused. “What was very clear to me is how strongly she knew her residents and how much they all liked her! I certainly have big shoes to fill.”
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