MAINE, USA — Mainers at risk of being evicted from their rental homes now have a potential lifeline, thanks to MaineHousing's new statewide eviction prevention program.
The pilot program, which began accepting applications on Monday, aims to help tenants avoid losing their homes by offering rent subsidies and assistance with back-rent payments.
"What we're really looking to do is identify those that are most in need," MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan said.
Brennan told NEWS CENTER Maine the program's primary goal is to help people stay in their homes during a challenging time. It will help those who qualify that are in the process of being evicted or have received an eviction notice.
"It's really meant for those folks that are baring the full burden of the rental cost," he added.
The program is being funded by a one-time $18 million allocation from the Maine Legislature. It comes after roughly 5,800 eviction cases were filed across the state last year, according to MaineHousing.
Eligible applicants can receive up to $800 per month in rent assistance, which will be paid directly to landlords, Brennan explained. In total, the maximum relief a household can receive is about $19,000.
The Quality Housing Coalition is overseeing the program in contract with MaineHousing. Lucas Schrage is the coalition's director of housing initiatives and sees the program as a chance to learn how to best help people in need, in addition to keeping people in housing.
"A crucial component of this is that we are planning to evaluate this program. So, it's not just a one off," Schrage said.
Applications will be processed on a first-come first-serve basis.
"It's a pilot program, so the funding will run out and we'll report back to the Legislature on how it worked," Brennan said.
More details and the application to apply can be found on MaineHousing's website.