Bill > LD1287

This bill establishes the Housing Stability Support Program within the Maine State Housing Authority to prevent eviction for low-income renters. The program will provide up to $3,000 per household annually in rental assistance, paid directly to landlords, for individuals earning less than 30% of the area's median income who are not currently using federal housing vouchers. The program will be administered by a designated community action agency, municipal housing authority, or qualified entity with experience in similar housing assistance programs. Administrators must verify participant eligibility every six months, limit administrative costs to 10% of their allocation, and keep total program and administrative costs under 25%. The program aims to provide comprehensive support, including job-seeking assistance and culturally sensitive services for diverse populations. A Housing Stability Fund will be created to support the program, which can receive funding from state, federal, and private sources. The bill also includes a fiscal allocation of $1,000,000 from the General Fund for each of the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, with an additional $500 from other special revenue funds, to implement and sustain the program.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1287&snum=132