RUMFORD – Building community and turning a housing complex into a neighborhood is what it’s all about.

That’s the belief of Darci Cameron, recently hired as the first resident services coordinator of the Muskie Building located on lower Congress Street. Originally from Rumford, Cameron returned to her hometown four years ago after living outside the area for many years.

She views the housing complex as a neighborhood, as a place for people to get to know each other and for the community to get to know the tenants.

“We want to get the positive things going on at the Muskie Building into the public,” she said Wednesday afternoon as she was planning a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for at least 40 of the building’s 80 tenants.

The dinner is being donated by an anonymous Peru woman, who, with several of her friends and family members, plan to help serve the dinner to tenants on Thursday.

“She feels very fortunate in her life and in her family’s lives and wants to give back,” said Cameron.

Laura Krech, a tenant at the building for the past couple of years, believes the dinner is a great opportunity, especially for those who are unable to have their own Thanksgiving.

She, her son, and her roommate will be among those who will share in the noontime meal.

So will Jason Jolin, another two- or three-year tenant in the building, who also likes the chance to share a meal with other tenants.

Cameron said the same woman who did not want her name publicized for donating Thanksgiving dinner, is also tentatively planning to serve a Christmas brunch next month.

These events are among many that Cameron hopes will help change the image of the building originally built in the 1970s as senior citizen housing. Over the years, many elderly people continue to rent apartments in the complex, as do other people who are physically or mentally handicapped.

In her previous work in the social service field, Cameron has gotten to know many of the current tenants.

“I feel comfortable with them and many know me,” she said.

She’s hoping to hold a series of events or programs for the tenants, such as the flu shot clinic last week.

She’s looking for ideas, and plans to survey the tenants soon to learn what they might like.

“Everyone has something to give,” she said, adding that she’d like any ideas from the general public, too. “I would love anyone who wants to volunteer to help with the programs and events.”

Cameron is also thinking of having the tenants do a bit of outreach, as well.

“Perhaps we could hold a craft fair and invite the public,” she said. “Maybe we can change the image.”

Anyone with ideas or who would like to volunteer, is asked to call Cameron at 364-3883.