Maine efforts targeting homelessness, domestic violence get $20 million in federal funding

Fifteen organizations and state agencies in Maine have been awarded a total of $20.8 million to support housing assistance for homeless individuals and families, as well as those fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

The money was provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the investments “will address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations in Maine, helping to ensure our neighbors have access to the necessary support to regain stability and independence.”

The grant funding was allocated as follows:

State of Maine: $12,256,655
Preble Street (Portland): $2,451,945
Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (Augusta): $1,802,995
City of Bangor: $1,231,588
Maine State Housing Authority: $1,230,524
Community Care (Bangor): $803,937
Through These Doors (Portland): $336,282
New Beginnings (Lewiston): $164,339
Safe Voices (Auburn): $161,580
Volunteers of America, Northern New England (Brunswick): $159,800
Penquis C.A.P. (Bangor): $100,000
Kennebec Behavioral Health (Waterville): $54,720
OHI Maine (Bangor): $47,190
Community Housing of Maine (Portland): $33,014
Tedford Housing (Brunswick): $16,283

A year ago, federal legislation allotted more than $3.7 billion in funding to help design and implement local solutions to end homelessness, including through programs like the Continuum of Care.

According to the HUD, the program is designed to promote 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.