Senator Collins Announces More Than $1.5 Million for Maine Housing Organizations

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that five organizations in Maine will receive a total of $1,513,108 to support efforts to develop and preserve affordable housing, revitalize and sustain neighborhoods, and create jobs across the state.  This funding will be awarded through the NeighborWorks America program and will support affordable housing efforts in Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Cumberland, Kennebec, Somerset, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Penobscot, Knox, and Piscataquis Counties.

“The dedicated staff and volunteers at housing organizations across our state play an indispensable role in helping some of our most vulnerable citizens find safe and affordable housing,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of vulnerable individuals and families are met.  By supporting Maine’s housing organizations, this grant will help connect participating Mainers with additional resources and promote their health, independence, and overall wellbeing.”

NeighborWorks America is a public nonprofit organization, established by Congress in 1978 as the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.  It supports and enhances a network of nearly 250 local and regional nonprofit partner NeighborWorks organizations that bring together residents, private-sector business leaders, and representatives of local government to provide affordable housing opportunities, build strong neighborhoods, and create jobs.

The funding will be distributed as follows:

• Avesta Housing Development Corporation will receive $425,000.

• Coastal Enterprises, Inc., will receive $507,000.

• Community Concepts, Inc., will receive $249,500.

• Kennebec Valley Community Action Program Housing Services will receive $115,500.

• Penquis Community Action Program, Inc., will receive $216,108.