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Read our organization's latest statements, view updates, and access information on today's trending topics and news stories.

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  • 27 Sep 2023 3:26 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    9/26: Portland City council considers declaring state of emergency to add beds at homeless services center

    Portland City Council is considering declaring a state of emergency in order to temporarily add more beds at the Homeless Services Center to serve a growing homeless population in the city. The council held a workshop on Tuesday to look at the plan and advocates gathered outside city hall to protest and urge the council not to move forward with the proposal.

    Read full article here.

    9/26: Maine's housing crisis contributes to a big increase in student homelessness

    The state of Maine is launching a first-of-its-kind program under which schools can financially assist families with rent, utilities and other household expenses. As Maine Public Radio's Robbie Feinberg reports, it comes as the state has seen a huge surge in students experiencing homelessness.

    Read full article here.

    9/25: Maine on Track for Record Level of Eviction Filings This Year

    Data from the Maine Judicial Branch shows that evictions in the state have increased dramatically since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year’s numbers are on track to rival the 15-year high reached back in 2014.

    The figures, made available from the Maine Judicial Branch, reflect the number of eviction filings made with the courts, as opposed to the number of judgements entered.

    Read full article here.

    9/25: How the Homelessness Problem in Maine Compares to Other States

    About six in 10 of the people experiencing homelessness in 2022 had access to emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or safe havens, while the remainder were unsheltered. Rates of unsheltered homelessness -- which includes those sleeping on the streets, in abandoned buildings, and in wooded areas -- are also on the rise.

    Read full article here.

    9/25: Waterville Planning Board to consider 2 plans that would provide 43 apartments

    The Planning Board is expected to consider two plans Tuesday that would bring 43 new apartments to Waterville — six in the downtown area and 37 on King Street in the city’s South End.

    Read full article here.

    9/24: Pilot program to help rural Mainers repair homes damaged in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas

    The federal government is expanding a pilot program intended to help low income residents in rural Maine repair storm damaged homes if they live in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas. 

    Department of Agriculture Rural Development Director Rhiannon Hampson says this program is for the state's most vulnerable residents who have fewer resources available to recover from a natural disaster.

    Read full article here.

    9/23: 10 people displaced after fire at Westbrook apartment building

    Crews extinguished the flames and searched the apartment where the fire stated, as well as adjacent units to ensure no one was trapped, Westbrook Professional Firefighters posted on Facebook. Photos on the post show the building was not fully engulfed, with smoke and damage on one side of the building.

    Read full article here.

    9/22: Maine is lagging in its heat pump goal for low-income homes

    Maine had no trouble meeting a 2019 goal of adding 100,000 new heat pumps to homes by 2025, so Gov. Janet Mills unveiled a more aggressive benchmark in July. But an additional, less-talked-about goal of installing 15,000 heat pumps in low-income households by 2025 has been harder to meet. A review of state data show Maine progressed about a third of the way to that goal in the last three years.

    9/22: Portland Mayoral Candidates Explain How They Would Tackle the City’s Homelessness Crisis

    One of the city’s biggest, most visible problems right now is the homelessness crisis. Both the city and the state have recently dismantled some of the encampments that have been around in Portland. Often though, that just moves people from one encampment to another. 

    Read full article here.

  • 18 Sep 2023 5:06 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    9/11: New Lewiston Housing Development to provide ‘core’ to drive riverfront growth

    The City of Lewiston’s ongoing plans to develop its riverfront area are about to get a boost from Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque in the form of two new housing and retail projects on Middle and Lowell streets.

    Read full article here.

    9/12: What impact do short-term rentals have on Maine's housing crisis?

    There's no better way to experience a city than to live like a local. Short-term rentals, like Airbnb and VRBO, can offer that for visitors and provide income for owners. One of my good friends is a retired vet, and he is able to live in Portland because he lives in the apartment building and the other units are short-term rentals. That's how he can be here," Brit Vitalius told Maine's Total Coverage.

    Read full article here.

    9/13: 6 efforts that are tackling the shortage of affordable housing in Maine.

    It’s a well-established fact that Maine is in need of affordable housing. It was a topic of discussion before the pandemic, and the issue was made worse by the pandemic itself, when Maine saw an influx of cash buyers coming into the market. 

    Read full article here.

    9/13: Inside Maine's Housing Crisis: An 8 Investigates special: Inside Maine's Housing Crisis

    We talk with renters, landlords, new Mainers and those struggling to find housing. When defining the crisis, it depends on who you ask: Renters, who make up 25 percent of the state's market, say rapidly rising rent points to the housing crisis.

    Read full article here.

    9/13: Preble Street proposes plan to shelter people living on Portland streets before winter

    The seven-pillar plan involves adding more caseworkers, finding more housing units, and creating more shelter.

    Watch here.

    9/14: Auburn to take up final readings on slate of zoning changes to increase housing

    The City Council will take up final readings Monday on potential rezoning of four areas of the city that have proven to be controversial. During a first reading this month on applying the T-4.2B zoning to four additional areas of the city, the council supported the change in all but one area.

    Read full article here.

    9/14: Bath celebrates redevelopment of historic downtown building.

    The former W.T. Grant department store, built in 1936 on Centre Street, underwent a $3 million renovation and now includes apartments, coworking space, a theater and an art studio.

    Read full article here.

    9/15: Central Maine Community College contracts with local hotel to house students

    Central Maine Community College is contracting with Center Street Value Inn at 170 Center St. to house students at the hotel, calling it Mustang Hall.

    Read full article here.

    9/15: Bangor toddler became sick after landlord failed to fix lead paint.

    Lawsuit says-Lowry attempted to cover up the lead paint instead of remediating and removing it at standards required by the state of Maine.

    Read full article here.

    9/15: Maine Faces Setback in Affordable Housing Development

    In Maine, the low-income housing tax credit has long been a crucial financial tool for subsidizing affordable housing projects. These tax credits are issued by the federal government to states, which then distribute them to private developers. 

    Read full article here.

    9/16: Protesters gather at City Hall to protest encampment sweeps.

    Organizers say they want the City Council to pass an ordinance that will stop further encampment sweeps until longer-term solutions to the housing crisis are in place. About 100 people gathered on the steps of City Hall in Portland on Friday afternoon to protest the sweeps of homeless encampments executed by the city. The sweeps began in May with the Bayside encampment and continued last week when the Fore River encampment was dismantled.

    Read full article here.

    9/16: The Argument for Increasing Access to EV Charging for Residents of Multi-Unit Dwellings

    Residents in multi-unit dwellings who wish to install an EV charger have to coordinate with a landlord, condo board, or fellow tenants. Currently, nine states have “right-to-charge laws which require property managers to allow charger installations by residents. Right-to-charge laws are not always necessary since some property managers choose to install chargers even without pressure from residents. 

    Read full article here.

    9/17: A drive around Lake Auburn reveals clear signs of the development.

    They are literally signs. “Protect Lake Auburn” is the motto gracing the expansive and well-maintained lawns of dozens of homes not far from the water. They are often paired with support for Jeff Harmon, who is trying to knock off Mayor Jason Levesque in November.

    Read full article here.

  • 11 Sep 2023 7:06 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    September 5: High demand, fewer benefits expected to create 'perfect storm' for Maine's heating season

    Temperatures in Maine are still summer-like, but advocates say high heating costs and an expected decline in federal aid are creating concerns about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program ahead of this winter.

    Read the full article here. 

    September 6: Rules meant to keep Maine tenants safe can actually leave them homeless

    Marla Reagan began carefully documenting her living conditions after mold started appearing on the walls, ceilings and window sills of the Sanford apartment where she lived with her son.

    Read the full article here. 

    September 6: 16 Mainers receive $10,000 in down payment and closing cost aid through ‘First Gen’ program

    Winthrop, Maine Surging mortgage rates and low inventory can make home ownership feel out of reach for many Mainers, but a new program is already making a big difference for a small group of people.

    Read the full article here. 

    September 7: The Housing Diversity Study Committee listened to a presentation to better understand LD 2003 and the changes necessary to comply with the new law.

    Cape Elizabeth’s ad-hoc Housing Diversity Study Committee held a meeting on Aug. 28 at the town hall where the town had a presentation hosted by Matt Panfil, planning director of the Greater Portland Council of Government.

    Read the full article here. 

    September 10: Another citizen-initiated referendum goes before voters this November, but dueling interests suggest it might not be the last word.

    Nearly three years into rent control, Portland is still working through kinks in its policy. Those who wrote the ordinance say it’s helping stabilize costs for tenants and available housing. But city staff who oversee rent control say that parts of the ordinance are hard to implement and that they struggle to keep up with questions and complaints.

    Read the full article here. 

  • 01 Sep 2023 6:34 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    August 29: Ask the I-Team: Is it legal to charge rent for pets in Maine? 

    The I-Team at WGME recently investigated rental fees associated with pets. Maine does not have standardized leases, so pet fees are considered rent increases. In Portland, though, where rent control is applicable, the percentage amount a housing provider can increase a tenant's rent due to a pet is capped. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 29: Cumberland seeks proposals for affordable housing project on Drowne Road 

    On Monday, the Cumberland Town Council voted to seek proposals for an affordable housing development. The project is in the early stages, with the council not able to provide answers on tax implications for residents or potential project costs. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 30: Opponents rally over development of downtown Westbrook parking lots 

    The city of Westbrook is currently discussing building affordable housing wherethree downtown parkinglots are. Opponents are worried that removing the lots would affect downtown businesses and the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 30: A vacant Bangor home is being turned into affordable housing 

    Design Wall Housing, a Maine-based nonprofit, is currently under contract to renovate a two-unit home in Bangor and turn it into affordable housing for two families. Design Wall Housing has received over $160,000 in grants for the project. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 31: 'Literally nowhere for us to go': Homeless encampment in Portland park taken down due to safety reasons 

    On Thursday, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) removed the homeless encampment by Deering Oaks Park. Over 100 individuals were living at the encampment. Next week, there are plans to remove the encampment at Fore River Parkway as well. The park-and-ride encampment on Marginal Way is currently full.   

    Read the full article here.  

    August 31: University of Maine at Augusta expands student housing in nearby Hallowell 

    The University of Maine at Augusta has opened its third student housing facility, Cleveland Hall, in Hallowell. Cleveland Hall is about a 10-minute drive from campus. 

    Read the full article.

  • 25 Aug 2023 4:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    August 22: New Portland residential hall on University of Southern Maine campus to house students this fall 

    The University of Southern Maine opened its first residential building on its Portland Campus. The residence hall will house more than 500 grad students and upperclassmen this coming fall semester. The community is comprised of one-, two- and four-bedroom dorms and apartments. 

    Read the full article here.   

    August 22: Bradford residents oppose man's vision to build affordable housing commune 

    On Monday, the Bradford Board of Selectmen agreed to seek counsel on a land-use proposal put forward by Michael Tuller. Tuller purchased 35 acres of land with the vision of “building rural housing on undeveloped land” for “those experiencing homelessness.” 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 22: Workforce housing proposal in Northeast Harbor advances to final review 

    The Mount Desert Planning Board is in the final stages of reviewing an application to add an additional six workforce housing units to Northeast Harbor village. The application is being put forward by Mount Desert 365. The development would provide homeownership opportunities with eligibility requirements and conditions for future sales of the properties. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 24: Report: Maine zip code is one of the hottest in the country for housing 

    Realtor.com ranked the town of Scarborough as number 34 in its list of hottest zip codes in the United States. Scarborough is the only town in Maine listed. Massachusetts and Connecticut were the only other New England states on the list. 

    Read the full article here.

  • 18 Aug 2023 5:30 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    August 15: Portland voters will again consider rent control changes this November 

    A citizen-initiated rent control proposal would exempt housing providers with nine or fewer units from Portland’s current rent control ordinance. Portland voters will see the proposal on the November ballot. 

    Read the full article here. 
     
    August 15: Portland reports fewer people living in tents, more placed in housing 

    The Portland Encampment Crisis Response Team reported their best week helping connect 12 individuals living in Portland encampments with housing. Portland plans to break up the Fore River encampment in early September, where 54 tenants are currently located. The city hopes to connect everyone with housing before then. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 15: Challenges in tax credit market could harm seven affordable Maine housing projects 

    The nonprofit Evernorth reported that funding for seven affordable housing projects in Maine is in jeopardy. Evernorth informed developers of the issues of raising enough money from tax credits. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 16: Temporary shelter for asylum seekers closes in Maine's largest city 

    On Wednesday, the Portland Expo closed as a temporary shelter. Those living in the shelter have been moved to hotels in Freeport and Lewiston. 

    Read the full article here. 

  • 11 Aug 2023 4:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    August 7: South Portland leaders hear from residents about issues in city 

    On Monday, the city of South Portland held listening sessions all day with residents. The city's last comprehensive planning sessions were held over ten years ago. Affordable housing was a major point of discussion. 

    Read the full article.   

    August 7: Women to Watch: Victoria Morales matching quality housing with those in need 

    Mainebiz recently interviewed Quality Housing Coalition founder Victoria Morales for their Women to Watch series. Victoria notes how Quality Housing Coalition partners with 38 rental providers in five counties and has "provided over 600 households for approximately 1,400 adults and children" through these partnerships. 

    Read the full article below. 

    August 7: Instead of sweeping homeless encampments, Portland is trying a new housing-focused approach 

    The city of Portland aims to offer everyone at the Fore River Parkway Trail encampment shelter or housing by September 6th. The city of Portland is currently utilizing an Encampment Crisis Response Team as a "more compassionate option" to respond to encampments after the city "cleared an 80-tent encampment on Bayside Trail" in the spring.   

    Read the full article here.  

    August 9: As deadline to close Portland Expo shelter looms, about 200 asylum seekers still need housing 

    The Portland Expo will no longer function as a shelter as of August 16th. The city of Portland is currently trying to find housing for the 200 asylum seekers who have been at the Expo since April. 

    Read the full article here. 

  • 04 Aug 2023 7:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    July 30: Some renters may get relief from biggest apartment construction boom in decades, but not all 

    The U.S. is currently experiencing its largest construction boom since the 1970s. Some economists project that rents “will be down modestly this year” after rising by nearly “25% over the past four years.” Much of this new construction is concentrated in select job-growth areas, with most units being considered luxury apartments. 

    Read the full article here.

    August 1: Saco to Host LD 2003 Housing Ordinance Revision info session Aug. 14 

    The City of Saco is holding an informational session to discuss and provide an overview of the housing ordinance revisions needed to comply with the LD 2003, which goes into effect on January 1st. The City Council and Planning Board arecurrently reviewing the ordinance revisions. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 1: A new program gives low-income Maine mothers monthly cash. Will it help lift them out of poverty? 

    The Quality Housing Coalition has started a pilot program called Project HOME Trust. The program recently selected 20 single mothers from a lottery and is giving each individual a cash payment of $1,000 a month to spend without stipulations to increase their financial security. Some program participants reported using the funds so far on housing, groceries and childcare. A report on the program is expected next October. 

    Read the full article here.

    August 2: MaineDOT to close part of Portland park-and-ride with large homeless encampment 

    The Maine Department of Transportation is sectioning off part of a park and ride-along near Franklin Street in Portland. A growing homeless encampment has been in the lot for a few months. Maine DOT says this is temporary, and the encampment will eventually be removed. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 2: ME family struggling to find affordable housing rented a backyard with an app 

    An app initially used for unique outdoor experiences is now being used to find temporary affordable housing. Some are using the HipCamp app as a way to stay in people’s backyards. 

    Read the full article here. 

    August 2: Affordable housing is the focus of grants from Maine Association of Realtors' charitable arm 

    The Realtor Affordable Housing Fund has awarded $80,000 to 11 organizations addressing housing needs. Five organizations each received grants for $10,000, and six organizations each received grants for $5,000. 

    Read the full article here. 

  • 28 Jul 2023 5:30 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    July 24: Lewiston breaks ground for government-financed affordable housing project  

    On Monday, a large affordable housing project in Lewiston broke ground. The Wedgewood project will consist of 82 apartments in 9 buildings. Sixty of the apartments will be reserved for affordable housing. Majority of the projects financing is from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development “Choice Neighborhoods” grant.  

    Read the full article here. 

    July 24: Bath Housing announces 3 new board members 

    Bath Housing and Development Corporation announced three new members to its board – Roberta Jordan, Toby Gabranski and Erik Nelson. 

    Read the full article here. 

    July 25: Influx of new senior apartments will help ease Bangor’s housing shortage 

    BangorHousing is currently developing an affordable housing project for seniors. On Monday, Bangor city councilor approved $2 million in pandemic relief funding to support future endeavors.  

    Read the full article here. 

    July 27: Housing projects in downtown Waterville with a total of 84 units set to move forward 

    The Waterville Planning Board gave its final approval this week for the Head of Falls Village housing project and a housing project for 155 and 165 Main Street. The Head of Falls Village project will include 63 apartments and commercial space. The 55 and 165 Main Street housing project plans to develop a combined 21 apartments across the buildings. 

    Read the full article here.

  • 21 Jul 2023 4:59 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    July 18: Portland city council postpones citizen initiative reforms indefinitely 

    On Monday night, the Portland city council voted to postpone reforms on the "citizen initiative" referendum process. This indefinite postponement comes after several local referendums in the past election cycles. 

    Read the full article here. 

    July 19: Maine enacts new law to provide tenants with additional notice of rent increases 

    A new law signed by Gov. Mills will now require rental housing providers to notify tenants 75 days in advance if rents are being increased by more than 10%. The new law will go into effect on October 4th.    

    Read the full article here.  

    July 19: Biden administration lauds new Maine law limiting rental application fees 

    This week, a White House news release praised Gov. Mills' new bill that limits rental application fees. Last month, Gov. Mills signed a bill that prevents l rental housing providers from charging fees exceeding the actual cost of screening a tenant or charging for more than one screening yearly.   

    Read the full article here.  

    July 20: First of its kind Maine housing relief program expanded 

    The Project HOME program from Quality Housing Coalition has expanded! Project HOME is a first-of-its-kind program that launched six years ago and partners with rental housing providers to offer high quality supportive housing for individuals and children who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing housing insecurity and/or homelessness. 
     
    Read the full article below and learn more about QHC (our 2023 Community Partner of the Year!) and donate to their cause at www.rhamaine.org/rha-foundation. 

    Read the full article here. 

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