AUGUSTA, February 5, 2008, Governor’s Office. – Governor John E. Baldacci was joined today by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Field Office Director Bill Burney to announce that the State of Maine has received more than $10 million in federal grants to provide housing opportunities for people who are homeless. Maine’s funding this year is an increase of $700,000 more than last year’s grant.
“This grant helps the State, municipalities and community-based organizations attack the problem of homelessness in Maine. This funding makes a real difference in our communities, providing shelter, stable housing, and supportive services to the homeless through 48 homeless programs throughout the state,” said Governor Baldacci. “These grants are critical in helping us to address long-term needs and move forward in our goal to end homelessness in Maine.”
Maine received two grants from the federal government. The Continuum of Care grant is awarded through a competitive process. This year Maine received $9.2 million from the Continuum of Care program, which supports comprehensive services such as counseling, job training, child care, shelter and housing. Additionally, Maine was awarded more than $860,000 in Emergency Shelter formula grants, which support shelter, transitional housing and support services for the homeless.
“I’m very pleased that MaineHousing could compete on a national level and help secure this funding for Maine,” said MaineHousing Director Dale McCormick. “HUD’s continuing support makes it possible for us to provide more people who are homeless with longer term, more stable housing.”
Nancy Fritz, Director of Homeless Initiatives for the State of Maine, said that the federal Continuum of Care grant helps leverage several million dollars more in other funding to help people who are homeless, including MaineHousing funds to develop addition rental and supportive housing.
“Ending homelessness in Maine will take coordinated, sustained efforts from the federal and state governments, as well as our municipal and community partners,” Governor Baldacci said.
