Investing in Maine’s People for a Bright, Sustainable Future.
As New Mainers settle here and we strive to expand our workforce, the need for transitional housing grows urgent.
As New Mainers settle here and we strive to expand our workforce, the need for transitional housing grows urgent.
Maine needs workers and our cities and towns need younger people. But we don’t have a good method for welcoming new arrivals, connecting them to systems, and integrating them into our communities and our workforce.
That’s why Safe in Maine is fundraising to establish transitional housing.
Transitional housing will help us realize the opportunity to resettle new families today as an investment in Maine’s future. And this housing will benefit generations of Mainers for decades to come.
Our current system is reactive, not proactive. In fact — it can't really be called a "system."
Asylum seekers face persecution in their home countries. Due to civil unrest, war, poverty, famine, and climate shocks, more people are expected to flow into Maine over time.
Families shelter wherever space can be found, sometimes without essential amenities like adequate sleeping space and restrooms, or access to showers, laundry, or kitchens. With families so scattered, services are tough to access and deliver.
Rooms in use today may not be available tomorrow, next week, or next month. There is little stability as families have to relocate, often multiple times.
In Greater Portland, an average hotel room costs $240 per night, or $7,200 per month, per family. We can do better and pay less.
We’re raising money to establish transitional housing communities.
Transitional housing is secure housing used short-term (typically up to 2 years). It is designed to provide families with stability and support that will allow them to move to permanent housing. Transitional housing communities can take many forms, but should aim to serve many families in one location to maximize resources. Our exemplar features 200 efficient homes (~650 square feet) arranged in pods with community space, recreational fields, walking trails, community gardens, and connections to essential services and systems.
See Our Proposal
Increased affordable housing stock that will serve us for generations to come
Reduced burden — human and financial — on municipalities and service providers
Stability for families as they regroup and connect to systems
Community spaces to provide and access support services
An intentional system for integrating new arrivals into the community
Shortened stays in transitional housing
Partner with us today to support the creation of transitional housing. With your help, we can invest in Maine families to strengthen Maine’s communities and economy.
Our overall goal: $2 million - with $500,000 raised by June 30, 2023!
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Questions? Feedback? Want to work together? Use the form below to contact Belinda Ray, GPCOG’s Director of Strategic Partnerships
