MaineHousing's $7.7 Million Grant to Provide Long-Term Solutions

Addressing homelessness has been something this state has been trying to fight for a long time now. Sadly, the sight of people without homes, living on the streets, behind buildings, or in tents braving the cold during our rough Maine winters, has become all too familiar to us as residents.

But hopefully, after what happened recently, homelessness could start to be combatted.

According to WMTW, MaineHousing has awarded $7.7 million from the Emergency Housing Relief Fund to 22 agencies across the state. This is going to help to address homelessness throughout the state in a long-term way.

The funding is going to help many agencies, from shelters, to legal services. As well as giving vital help to people and families in need. .

Out of these agencies, one has stood out and that is Kaydenz Kitchen, receiving 2.5 million dollars. They are going to use the money to develop a 24/7 permanent shelter in Lewiston.

The shelter is going to benefit those that suffer from homelessness and give them a safe place to stay. In addition, it will connect them with services that can help with securing them housing.

According to WMTW, Erik Jorgensen of MaineHousing said "The city has shown repeatedly over the past year just how much it cares, and the establishment of a permanent shelter is yet another example of that,"

Kevin Boilard is the president of Kaydenz Kitchen, was emotional and expressed his deep gratitude for the grant saying,

"To have the opportunity to be awarded $2.5 million to really change the dynamics of homelessness in our community and have a lasting impact is something that we never imagined but are extremely grateful for,"

The new shelter is said to open by September 1, 2025, as per the report.

This grant is part of a bigger plan to help make permanent solutions for homelessness throughout our state of Maine.