Gov. Janet Mills (D) and the Maine State Housing Authority announced Tuesday that $2.3 million worth of state grants will be put toward supporting the operation of warming centers throughout the state this winter.
The grant money will be distributed across twelve centers located in seven of Maine’s counties, resulting in a total of 338 beds being opened.
Counties receiving funding from these grants include Penobscot, Hancock, Kennebec, Cumberland, Aroostook, Androscoggin, and York.
After distributing these grants, the state will have spent a total of $5.78 million to support Maine warming centers over the past three years.
The largest grants, about $400,000 each, will be going to Augusta Overnight and the City of Portland, with fifty and sixty beds respectively.
Most other recipient shelters will be receiving six-figure grants and support roughly fifteen to twenty-five beds each, with some exceptions.
The smallest grant of $7,000 will be going to the five-bed Bangor Area Homeless Shelter.
“With the support of the Legislature, my Administration and MaineHousing have been working with municipalities and private organizations to meet emergency housing needs and reduce pressure on local budgets and property taxpayers, and save lives,” said Gov. Mills in a press release Tuesday.
“For folks facing a housing emergency or homelessness during the winter,” she added, “these grants can make sure they have a roof over their heads and a place to sleep at night.”
“These critical, life-saving funds will make it possible to help our fellow Mainers during the coldest time of the year, should they be without adequate shelter or are facing a heating emergency during the winter months,” said MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan.
“We are grateful for the many partners who are doing this work and thank them for it,” he continued. “This work also would not be possible without the steadfast support of Governor Mills and the Legislature.”
“Those who work on affordable housing and homelessness solutions are so appreciative of this sustained focus by our top elected leaders and their near-universal commitment toward helping our friends, families, and neighbors when they need it most,” Brennan said.
