MaineHousing News
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Scott Thistle, Communications Director |
(207) 624-5799 | 
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Ashley Carson, Chief Counsel |
(207) 626-4600 | 
MaineHousing Press Releases
Governor Mills & MaineHousing Extend Rent Relief Program
Released: Jun 4, 2020
Governor Janet Mills and MaineHousing announced today an extension of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. The rental assistance program, established in April, allows households that meet certain income and ability to pay requirements to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to be paid directly to their landlord. With the extension, the program now covers rent for the months of April, May or June.
“This program has helped provide a small measure of relief to thousands of Maine renters and their landlords,” said Governor Janet Mills. “As people across the state continue to feel the impact of COVID-19, we hope it will continue to help more.”
“We know that COVID-19 has highlighted the significant range of Mainers’ housing challenges,” said Daniel Brennan, Director of MaineHousing. “We’re happy to continue providing support to those who need it most.”
Since its creation in April, the program has served more than 5,200 Maine households in April and May with 2,800 applications still in process. Program statistics may be found here.
Each household that meets certain income and ability to pay requirements may receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance paid directly to their landlord. When a landlord accepts payment, they agree not to evict the tenant for nonpayment for the month the payment was issued. MaineHousing will continue to administer the program on a statewide level with local implementation provided by Maine’s Community Action Agencies.
“We know this won’t cover the full rent for most renters,” Brennan noted. “We want to help as many people as possible and to do that, we capped the one-time payment at $500. It’s also important for us to reiterate – this is not a rent forgiveness program. Renters are still responsible for paying their rent. We encourage landlords and tenants to communicate with one another about this program and other issues that may arise because of COVID-19.”
Those who received rent relief through this program in April or May are not eligible for program funds in June. Those who applied in April and May but have yet to hear back from their local Community Action Agency should contact that agency to check on the status of their application. A list of agencies and their service areas can be found here (PDF).
People who live in subsidized housing are not eligible for this program because they have other programs available to them and should contact their property manager.
Applicants can find application materials and answers to commonly asked questions here mainehousing.org/covidrent. Materials are also available in six additional languages.
Governor Mills & MaineHousing Extend Rent Relief Program
Released: Jun 4, 2020
Governor Janet Mills and MaineHousing announced today an extension of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. The rental assistance program, established in April, allows households that meet certain income and ability to pay requirements to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to be paid directly to their landlord. With the extension, the program now covers rent for the months of April, May or June.
“This program has helped provide a small measure of relief to thousands of Maine renters and their landlords,” said Governor Janet Mills. “As people across the state continue to feel the impact of COVID-19, we hope it will continue to help more.”
“We know that COVID-19 has highlighted the significant range of Mainers’ housing challenges,” said Daniel Brennan, Director of MaineHousing. “We’re happy to continue providing support to those who need it most.”
Since its creation in April, the program has served more than 5,200 Maine households in April and May with 2,800 applications still in process. Program statistics may be found here.
Each household that meets certain income and ability to pay requirements may receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance paid directly to their landlord. When a landlord accepts payment, they agree not to evict the tenant for nonpayment for the month the payment was issued. MaineHousing will continue to administer the program on a statewide level with local implementation provided by Maine’s Community Action Agencies.
“We know this won’t cover the full rent for most renters,” Brennan noted. “We want to help as many people as possible and to do that, we capped the one-time payment at $500. It’s also important for us to reiterate – this is not a rent forgiveness program. Renters are still responsible for paying their rent. We encourage landlords and tenants to communicate with one another about this program and other issues that may arise because of COVID-19.”
Those who received rent relief through this program in April or May are not eligible for program funds in June. Those who applied in April and May but have yet to hear back from their local Community Action Agency should contact that agency to check on the status of their application. A list of agencies and their service areas can be found here (PDF).
People who live in subsidized housing are not eligible for this program because they have other programs available to them and should contact their property manager.
Applicants can find application materials and answers to commonly asked questions here mainehousing.org/covidrent. Materials are also available in six additional languages.
2024 Autumn Newsletter
Release Date: November 4, 2024
2024 Summer/Fall NewsletterRelease Date: September 3, 2024
2024 Spring/Summer Newsletter
Release Date: May 28, 2024
2023 Autumn Newsletter
Release Date:November 21,2023
2023 Summer NewsletterRelease Date: May 25, 2023
2022 Autumn NewsletterRelease Date: November 11, 2022
2022 Summer NewsletterRelease Date: August 12, 2022
January 2021 NewsletterRelease Date:January 29, 2021
November 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: November 30th, 2020
October 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: October 30th, 2020
September 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: September 30th, 2020
August 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: August 28th, 2020
June 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: June 29th, 2020
May 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: May 26th, 2020
April 2020 Newsletter
March 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: March 24th, 2020
February 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: February 27th, 2020
January 2020 NewsletterRelease Date: January 27th, 2020
December 2019 Newsletter
Release Date: December 20th, 2019
November 2019 NewsletterRelease Date: November 26th, 2019
Post Purchase Newsletter
MaineHousing continues its relationships with First Home Loan customers after they've moved into their new homes by providing tips and advice through a newsletter. Our goal is to help them be successful homeowners!
Mainely Landlords Newsletter
A newsletter for landlords with tenants who have Housing Choice Vouchers from MaineHousing.
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