Happy January from all of us at MaineHousing! 
We've been hard at work preparing for the move to our new building in the spring, developing programs for those in recovery, announcing the new senior housing bond projects, and more! 
We are excited for the coming year - and are looking forward to lots of work and progress toward affordable housing solutions here in Maine.
As always, contact us with any feedback or ideas on our work - and remember - only 53 days until Spring! 

MaineHousing Announces
Senior Housing Bond Awards
Earlier this month, MaineHousing announced the awarding of $14.5 million of the senior housing bond approved by voters in 2015 and signed by Governor Janet Mills in 2019. The bond, combined with MaineHousing resources and other funds, will generate over $45.8 million to build 212 new affordable housing units for Mainers aged 55 and older. 
In the news release, Governor Janet Mills noted: “These awards are another welcome step forward for older Mainers. The construction of these new homes, along with the repair and weatherization of existing homes, will ensure that more Maine seniors can live safely, comfortably, and with dignity as they age. I am proud to have signed these long-overdue, voter-approved bonds and look forward to the communities they help create.” 
The following developments were selected.
The Uplands, 39 units in Scarborough, will be developed by the Developers Collaborative.
Bessey School II, 40 units in Scarborough, will be developed by Housing Initiatives of New England.
Hartland Senior Living, 30 units in Hartland, will be developed by Kennebec Valley Community Action Program.
Ellsworth Senior Housing, 29 units in Ellsworth, will be developed by the Developers Collaborative.
Belfast Senior Housing, 25 units in Belfast, will be developed by the Developers Collaborative.
Belfast Acres Estates, 24 units in Belfast, will be developed by Realty Resources.
Willow Springs, 25 units in Farmington, will be developed by Avesta Housing.
MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan noted the importance of more housing for older adults in Maine. “Older Mainers need quality, accessible homes they can afford. The need is substantial. We’re hitting the ground running in the new year and are looking forward to putting these funds to work.” 

Annual Point in Time Volunteers Needed - January 28, 2020
Homeless service providers across Maine are preparing for the annual Point in Time count on January 28. The annual survey is a nationwide effort to count all people who are homeless (sheltered and unsheltered) on a specific night. It is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and helps determine funding to address homelessness in Maine. 
As noted in an article in the Sun Journal: "Volunteers go in pairs and spend from sundown to sunrise counting Mainers who are living in homeless shelters, sleeping in their cars or otherwise have nowhere to stay. Volunteers also spread the word by posting information throughout their community."
For more information or to volunteer, please call Jerry Dewitt at 207-576-0376 or email him here. You can also click here to download a flyer with details.

MaineHousing Announces Annual Discretionary Funding Allocations
With a fully funded State HOME fund for the first time in 15 years, MaineHousing is able to continue to support programs we have traditionally funded, and will enhance funding for the following programs:
  • Multifamily housing development subsidies which finance the cost of new affordable housing development for families and seniors
  • Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance Program grants
  • Community Aging in Place grants to provide home modifications for older Mainers and Mainers with disabilities
  • Housing assistance for two pilot programs serving homeless opioid users with system engagement

The Census - Count & Be Counted!
The Census helps determine the amount of federal funding Maine receives for crucial programs like housing assistance. Here's how you can get involved!
MaineHousing's Board of Commissioners will meet on February 18, 2020 at    9 am in the MaineHousing Board Room at 353 Water Street, Augusta.
MaineHousing Homeownership:
As of January 15, 2020

Purchases: 85
The total value of the loans purchased in 2019 is 
$11,727,991.
There are 227 units in the pipeline at $33,194,468 in value.
Maine Home Sales- December 2019
1,497 units were sold, which is up 23.2% from December 2019. The median sale price was $225,000, which is up 4.7% from December 2019.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
As of January 22, 2019:
Total applications: 32,090
Pending: 11,680
Confirmed Eligible: 18,048 
Upcoming Events:
Our office will be closed for business on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 for our semi-annual All Staff Day. Please contact 2-1-1 if you have a heating or housing emergency that day!
Recovery Residence Pilot Program Information Session
February 5, 2020 - 10 am
MaineHousing Board Room
The Recovery Residence Pilot Program will provide operating subsidy to recovery residences to address negative cash flow and to serve more or lower income residents. The information session will include background about the program, the program requirements, and the application.
Only currently certified residences are eligible, but funding has been set aside for residences that are in development. New residences will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, which will be outlined at the information session. For more information, contact Steven McDermott.

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