December 6: A housing crisis for asylum-seekers is getting more dire as federal funds dry up, groups say
The Emergency Rental Assistance Act (ERA) is set to expire at the end of December, impacting thousands across Maine. A spokesperson for Gov. Janet Mills released a statement that discusses “potentially extending emergency temporary housing supports for Maine people and families.”
Read the full article here.
December 7: ‘It’s overwhelming’ Westbrook faces potential surge of homeless
A recent Press Herald article discusses how Westbrook is preparing for the end of The Emergency Rental Assistance Act (ERA). Pastor Scott Linscott of Westbrook estimates the city could house “between 700 and 800 people with no place to go and very little means during the coldest months of the year” as individuals move to Westbrook from surrounding areas.
Read the full article here.
December 8: Portland Question C, which includes changes to rent control ordinance, takes effect
RHA President, Brit Vitalius, was interviewed in a recent article by Channel 13 WGME on the recent rent control referendum policies (Question C). These policies will begin to take effect on December 8.
“Vitalius believes some of the changes will leave landlords unable to reinvest back into their buildings because of the new limits on how much they can recoup for inflation and property tax increases.”
Read the full article here.
December 8: Portland developer builds novel live-work units
Portland developer Timothy Leahy and his brother Christopher Leahy have reimagined live-work units at 482 Congress Street. The project is comprised of units that function both residentially and professionally. Currently, two units have been completed.
Read the full article here.
December 9: Debora Keller: What Bath is doing to grow housing
In a recent contribution to the Press Herald, Debora Keller, executive director of Bath Housing, shares what Bath Housing is doing to create new housing opportunities in Bath. As the city needs affordable housing, public and private organizations are working together “to acquire and renovate existing multi-family buildings” with the goal of being “modestly priced for years to come.”
Read the full article here.
