Bill > LD1328

This bill requires the Maine State Housing Authority to contract for at least three certified recovery residences specifically designed to support LGBTQIA+ individuals recovering from substance use disorder. The bill mandates that these recovery residences be led and governed by individuals in recovery who identify as LGBTQIA+, with the term "LGBTQIA+" broadly defined to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals. The residences must be strategically located across different population sizes: one in a locality with over 60,000 residents, one in a community between 20,000 and 59,999 people, and one in an area with fewer than 20,000 residents. Each residence is required to provide a shared living space, recovery support services tailored to individual needs, and specialized support services addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Additionally, each residence must be staffed by at least two peer support staff members who are certified in peer support and recovery coaching and paid a livable wage. The bill also establishes the LGBTQIA+ Recovery Residence Fund within the Maine State Housing Authority, which can receive private donations and will distribute funds through a competitive bidding process to support these recovery residences.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1328&snum=132