Maine governments, agencies get $16.5M for crisis housing support

A treet on Munjoy Hill in Portland with triple decker apartment buildings and a glimpse of the ocean down at the end

Photo / Maureen Milliken Portland is one of eight cities and nonprofits that will share $16.5 million in funding to help with housing and homelessness problems caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

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By Staff

Eight Maine government and nonprofit organizations will share $16.5 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help with housing, homelessness and COVID-19 prevention and response efforts.

The $16,517,072 is Maine's first installment from the $48.5 billion set aside nationally for housing and transportation in the Phase 3 coronavirus emergency response package.

Most of the funding will be dispersed through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program, with some also going through its Emergency Solutions Grants and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS programs.

The allocations include:

Maine state government, $7 million through the CDBG program and $4.8 million through the ESG program;
Portland, $1.14 million through the CDBG program and $573,734 through the ESG program;
Cumberland County, $920,165 through the CDBG program;
Lewiston, $538,518 through the CDBG program;
Bangor, $498,873 through the CDBG program;
Auburn, $334,985 through the CDBG program;
Biddeford, $276,034 through the CDBG program; and
Frannie Peabody Center in Portland, $418,938 through the HOPWA program.

Programs dispersing housing grants

The Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to states and local units of government to develop viable urban communities by providing housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income people. The grants can also be used in coordination with local health authorities to respond to COVID-19, according to a news release from the office of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

The Emergency Solutions Grants program provides funding to state, local and private entities to assist people in quickly regaining stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. In addition to rapid housing solutions and homelessness prevention, the ESG program also provides limited funding for street outreach and for improving the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters.

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program provides housing assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. In some cases, HOPWA assistance includes chemical dependency treatment, mental health treatment, nutritional services, job training and placement assistance, and assistance with daily living.

Collins, chair of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced the grants, and said they will help ease housing issues spurred or made worse by the coronavirus crisis.

“Maine’s state agencies and local governments work to provide seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families with safe and affordable homes that promote their health, independence, and overall well-being," Collins said. "The coronavirus is taking an unprecedented toll on communities across the country. This investment will help ensure that the state of Maine will continue to be able to provide critical assistance during this difficult time.”