Maine is awarding $12 million to support affordable apartments in Bangor, Portland and South Portland.
That will create 92 more apartments to help Mainers experiencing chronic homelessness in those cities, according to the Mills administration.
The funding, made available under the state’s Home for Good program, will allow developers to leverage up to another $24 million. The developments are expected to make use of a combination of tax credits, bonds, loans and subsidies.
“Addressing Maine’s housing needs calls for a number of creative approaches, including ways to get people off the streets and into stable housing, where they can then get help to turn their lives around,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement. “With these awards from MaineHousing, communities will have more resources to address the serious challenges caused by chronic homelessness.”
In addition to that support, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services will provide funding for 24-hour support services, including an on-site social worker, at each development. That will help residents find employment, get substance use and mental health treatment, and support daily living skills.
Residents will be expected to spend about 30% of their income on rent as part of a voucher program.
“Chronic homelessness is often caused by underlying and untreated physical and mental health illnesses, which when left uncared for, adds up far beyond the cost of providing people with the housing and support they need to stay healthy,” MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan said in a statement. “This proven formula not only saves lives in the long run, but it also saves money, and it improves the overall health of our communities and the state of Maine.”