MaineHousing has announced $2.7 million in grants to provide more beds before winter sets in.
The agency says the money will be shared among a dozen organizations that provide short-term shelter, and will add 474 beds for homeless people across the state.
MaineHousing says this year’s awards represent the largest funding amount and the most beds supported since the program began five years ago.
The grants will support shelters in eight of Maine’s nine homeless-service hubs.
The shelters will provide safe, heated spaces for people during extremely cold and dangerous winter weather, according to MaineHousing.
Most will operate overnight through April 30.
The agency says funding may be used for staffing, supplies, transportation, extended hours and other shelter operating costs.
“Dangerous winter weather can put lives at risk, especially for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability,” said MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan. “These grants help communities open safe, heated spaces before severe cold arrives.”
Among the Southern Maine shelters getting support are Seeds of Hope in Biddeford with $303,790 for 55 beds, Portland’s Seeds of Hope – 360,720 for 48 beds, State Street Church in Portland – $52,000 for 18 beds, and Tedford Housing in Brunswick – $225,450 for 30 beds.
