Housing Navigator Pilot Program

The Housing Navigator Pilot Program is a two-year program established by the legislature through LD 1733.  The navigators for this program will work with families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in obtaining housing, and assist them in maintaining stable housing following lease up.  MaineHousing’s goal is to expand the current system of emergency shelter housing navigators to include additional organizations, especially in underserved communities and/or geographic areas of the state. 

The Housing Navigator Pilot supports housing navigation services, recognized as a best practice by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Navigation involves helping a household that is experiencing/at risk of homelessness develop a housing stability plan, address the barriers identified in the plan, and acquire documentation and complete forms required for housing. It also involves housing search, which includes attending property owner meetings, setting appointments, and assisting with paperwork related to housing applications. Navigation also includes assistance with tasks associated with securing and maintaining housing: inspections, utility startups, moving into housing and follow up check-ins to address barriers to housing stability.

The three major components of the Housing Navigator Pilot Program are:

• Landlord engagement
• Pre-tenancy assistance to families
• Housing stability services