MaineHousing Awards $1.4 Million For Overnight Warming Shelters

AUGUSTA – MaineHousing Wednesday announced it is awarding $1.4 million in state grant funding for 10 different overnight warming shelters spread across Maine.

These shelters cover all parts of the state, from Presque Isle in northern Aroostook County to Alfred in southern York County, and will provide additional resources in seven of Maine’s nine regional homeless hubs.

This short-term funding will create more overnight shelter for more than 300 unsheltered people each night for the coldest part of the year in Maine.

This funding is part of a state budget package passed in 2023 and it will allow several overnight shelters that were first funded during the winter of 2022-2023 to reopen or to expand.

“These overnight warming shelters will play a vital role in protecting people from the cold during our harsh winter months. I am grateful for the communities that have responded to this important need and thank MaineHousing for distributing this financial support, which I proposed and the Legislature approved,” said Governor Janet Mills. “My Administration will continue to work with MaineHousing, the Legislature, local communities, and other partners to further address the need for short-term emergency housing and attainable, long-term housing across Maine.”

Organizations receiving funding were selected based on a competitive process that included the ability of the organization to operate the facility and maintain site control, among other factors.

More than 17 organizations applied for this competitive and limited funding resource.

  “The large demand for these resources underscores the great need that exists in our state and we are grateful for the partners who have been awarded funds to help some of our most vulnerable residents as we head towards winter,” said MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan. “Additionally we are grateful for the work of all those who are doing their part to help our fellow citizens who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness in Maine.”

  The organizations receiving funding from the program, their overnight capacity, and their award amounts are as follow: