Senator Collins Announces More Than $14.6 Million to Help Combat Homelessness in Maine

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that ten organizations and state agencies in Maine have been awarded a total of $14,625,379 to support housing assistance to homeless individuals and families, as well as those fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  This funding was provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care Program.

“These funds will provide a critical supply of affordable housing and an array of vital services to homeless individuals and families, as well as victims of domestic violence,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Ranking Member of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for this important grant program, and I will continue to work to prevent and end homelessness.  This funding will help ten organizations and state agencies provide shelter and warmth to those who need it most.”

The funding was allocated as follows:

·         The City of Bangor received $1,035,914;

·         Community Housing of Maine, Inc. in Portland received $28,413;

·         Kennebec Behavioral Health in Waterville received $47,251;

·         Maine State Housing Authority in Augusta received 1,241,225;

·         New Beginnings Inc. in Lewiston received $164,339;

·         OHI in Bangor received $40,566;

·         Preble Street in Portland received $1,094,015;

·         Tedford Housing in Brunswick received $16,283;

·         Through These Doors in Portland received $297,486; and

·         The State of Maine received $10,659,887.

As the Ranking Member of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins worked to secure $3 billion in the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness.  This legislation was signed into law last month.

The CoC Program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; to provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to quickly re-house homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic violence, and youth while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; to promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and to optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness.

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