Senator Collins Meets with Maine Association of Public Housing Directors

Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for high-resolution photos

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, met with members of the Maine Association of Public Housing Directors (MAPHD) in her Washington, D.C., office to discuss the need for more affordable housing, the proposed changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s inspection protocols, and other issues. 

Leadership from the Housing Authorities in Augusta, Old Town, Brunswick, Topsham, Portland, Lewiston, Westbrook, Bangor, South Portland, Ellsworth, and Mount Desert Island were in attendance.

“Maine’s Housing Authorities provide many important services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income individuals and families,” said Senator Collins.  “I had a productive discussion with members of the Maine Association of Public Housing Directors, and I look forward to our continued work together to ensure that the housing needs of our most vulnerable citizens are met.”

In Maine, local housing authorities (LHAs) administer 4,082 public housing units in addition to more than 11,000 Housing Choice Vouchers statewide. Approximately 66 percent of these units are occupied by elderly and disabled residents living on social security or disability payments roughly equal to $1,200 per month.

For more than 30 years, local housing authorities have collaborated via the Maine Association of Public Housing Directors.  As part of its goal to continuously improve the quality of services offered to Maine people, MAPHD provides training and consulting for local housing authorities throughout the State of Maine.

Last month, Senator Collins hosted Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson in Lewiston to see firsthand how federal housing programs are improving the health, safety, and overall wellbeing of Mainers and strengthening local communities.

Earlier this year, Senator Collins secured key funding for several housing programs in the fiscal year 2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill.  Click HERE to learn more.