Release from U.S. Department of Agriculture:

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson has announced that the agency is awarding $75,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland (HfHGP). The organization will use the funds to make affordable repairs to homes belonging to residents with very low and low incomes in Cumberland County, reducing health and safety hazards. This funding comes through Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant program.

“At USDA Rural Development, we know that paying for maintenance and even for urgent repairs can be out of reach for many homeowners, particularly older residents,” said Director Hampson. “We’re glad to invest federal funds in the work of Habitat for Humanity Greater Portland. The team at Habitat knows their community and can put these Housing Preservation Grant dollars to work where they are needed most. As we enter the holiday season, it’s good to know they are working to ensure more low- and very-low-income Cumberland County residents can afford to live in warm, safe homes.”

An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, HfHGP is a non-profit organization that builds affordable homes and provides vital home repairs for low- and moderate-income families. Through its Critical Home Repair Program, the nonprofit assists homeowners with projects large and small. Using a network of experienced staff, trusted subcontractors, and volunteers, HfHGP helps families stay in their homes by offering repairs at affordable prices.

Repairs supported by the nonprofit include those that improve health, safety, and accessibility. Projects run the gamut from replacing an entire roof to installing an accessible shower for a senior citizen. “Not only is it important to us to keep people who have a home in that home,” notes Kate Weidner, Development Manager at HfHGP, “but it’s imperative that we maintain the housing stock currently in circulation. Maine needs a drastic increase in housing stock and affordable units are hard to come by, so this work is increasingly important.”

In addition to the USDA grant, Portland-based HfHGP funds its Critical Home Repair Program with support from Cumberland County and with private donations. The organization also welcomes volunteers. Learn more about the nonprofit’s impact and how to get involved on the HfHGP website.

About USDA’s Housing Preservation Program:

The Housing Preservation Program accepts applications from eligible state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Other recent HPG recipients in Maine include Penquis and Western Maine Community Action. Applications typically are accepted annually through a notice published in the Federal Register. The next anticipated application period will be in mid-2025. Interested Maine organizations may contact Bonnie Hayes at the USDA Rural Development State Office in Bangor (207-990-9164 or bonnie.hayes@usda.gov) for more information.

Homeowners with very low incomes and seniors with low and very low incomes in need of certain home repairs may also be eligible to apply directly to Rural Development for funding. For more information visit Rural Development’s website (www.rd.usda.gov/me) or call the agency’s Maine State Office at (207) 990-9160 and ask about Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants.

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