Senator Collins Participates in BangorHousing Opportunity Center Grand Opening

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Bangor, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke at the grand opening of the new BangorHousing Opportunity Center. Senator Collins secured $2,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for BangorHousing to create the center for residents to participate in services and training to increase their education and skills to transition off of federal assistance.

“The programs and guidance offered by BangorHousing have helped hundreds of Maine households get on solid financial footing, providing them with the skills they need for long-term stability,” said Senator Collins. “I was proud to secure the funding for this new center, which will serve as a dedicated space for BangorHousing to continue and expand their important work of helping families build assets and create a better future for their loved ones.”

As of 2022, 261 households have participated in BangorHousing’s Family Self Sufficiency program, building savings escrow accounts from the difference in rent increases as their incomes change.  To graduate from the program and receive these funds, the participants must work full time and stop receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) for 12 consecutive months. Data from 2023 shows that of the 261 households enrolled in Bangor Housing’s enhanced FSS program at that time, the average family income rose more than 300% during their five years in the program.

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