Sharing Center names new CEO, previews 78‑unit attainable housing project for Sanford

Tikal Poore, introduced to the Sanford City Commission on July 28 as the new president and CEO of the Sharing Center, said she plans to expand the nonprofit’s work on emergency food, housing assistance and a forthcoming attainable‑housing development in Sanford.

Why it matters: The Sharing Center is a major local anti‑hunger and housing partner; the organization’s planned 78‑unit Sharing Commons would create long‑term affordable housing units and require collaboration with the city and other partners.

Poore told commissioners the Sharing Center served more than 51,000 individuals across its programs last year and has housed 190 families since October at facilities or placements coordinated by the organization. She described the Sharing Commons as a 78‑unit affordable housing project in Sanford and said the nonprofit is preparing a capital campaign; details remain at an early stage.

Poore framed the project as a partnership effort that will involve nonprofit, government, faith‑based and business stakeholders. “This will be a 78‑unit, affordable and dignified housing right in the city of Sanford,” she said. She added that the center aims to move from reactive services to investments in systems and sustainable solutions.

Poore also related her personal connection to affordable housing: she said she grew up in subsidized housing after losing both parents as a teenager and presented that experience as a motivation for focusing on long‑term supports.

Commissioners and city staff offered welcome remarks; Commissioners expressed interest in follow‑up meetings that Poore said she would schedule.

Ending: Poore’s remarks were introductory and no formal city action was taken on the Sharing Center’s projects at the meeting.