Senator Collins Announces $130,000 for Maine Housing Organizations

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that Western Maine Community Action and Penquis will receive a total of $130,814.92 to support efforts to develop and preserve affordable housing and supportive services for persons with disabilities in Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties. 

“Throughout the State of Maine, dedicated staff and volunteers at housing organizations provide many important services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income individuals and families,” said Senator Collins.  “As Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to work to ensure that the housing needs of vulnerable individuals and families are met.  This important funding will help to rehabilitate and repair homes in Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

·         Western Maine Community Action will receive $65,407.56 to rehabilitate and repair 30 homes in Franklin County, Maine. Housing Preservation Grant funds will be used in conjunction with Weatherization, Central Heating Improvement, and other funding sources for anticipated leveraged funds totaling in excess of $215,000.

·         Penquis will receive $65,407.36 to assist 21 low and very-low income households in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties.  These funds will be leveraged with other funding sources to provide gap financing for two replacement housing projects and 19 general home rehabilitation projects.