Housing & Community Development

ANNOUNCEMENTS

As a result of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act Public Law 116-136), the City of Portland received supplemental Community Development Block Grant (known as CDBG-CV3) and Emergency Solutions Grant (known as ESG-CV3) from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds must be used to prevent, prepare, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, the social service landscape and resources available to the homeless population has drastically changed. The closure of local social service centers and programing has created many barriers and challenges for the homeless community, specifically in relation to accessing day space, meal and most recently mail services. Emergency food services are currently using a mobile food distribution model, providing bagged meals for shelter guests and take-away meals for those that are unsheltered in the community. 

This food distribution model has created a challenge for the community, as some current shelters lack appropriate meal space, guests consume meals in makeshift dining areas. Additionally, unsheltered individuals do not have a designated space to sit down and consume meals. The lack of day space for those experiencing homelessness, with a reliable connection to local social service providers, is a critical gap in services that the City of Portland is looking to remedy. 

In response to the need for designated day space, on April 26, 2021, the Portland City Council approved the allocation $124,699 in the CDBG-CV3 funding, and $133,247 in ESG-CV3 funding, for the operation and maintenance of a Day Shelter. These funds will be awarded through a formal RFP process. Requests are due Wednesday, June 30th by 4:00pm and should be submitted via email to Kwalsh@portlandmaine.gov.

Day Space Request for Proposals 

Day Space Request for Proposals Budget Form (excel)

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​COVID-19 emergency rental relief 

Maine State Housing Authority will launch the Emergency Rental Assistance Program March 1, 2021 at 12pm. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can pay for rent and some utilities owed back to March 13, 2020. The program will also cover up to three months of upcoming rent and utilities. Utilities include electricity, water, sewer, heat, and internet. Maine's Community Action Agencies will review applications, check eligibility, and and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households. Income limits apply. For more information, and to apply, visit MaineHousing.org/rentrelief

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Funds


HUD funds are utilized to benefit low and moderate-income Portland residents and city neighborhoods where a majority of the residents earn low and moderate incomes. HCD supports a wide variety of projects and programs including social and neighborhood services, public facilities and infrastructure in eligible neighborhoods and housing rehabilitation and housing development. The Division works in partnership with residents, non-profit agencies and City departments to benefit low and moderate-income residents and improve the neighborhoods in which they live. 

HUD REPORTS

Current and archived reports are available posted in the document center. Click here to view reports.


Map of Housing Assisted with Public Funds

LOAN PROGRAMS

  1. Loan Programs

2020 Interim Housing Report

The 2020 Interim Housing Report has been provided by the Housing and Community Development Division, Housing and Economic Development Department for the City Council’s Housing Committee. This report is designed to provide an overview of housing activity, actions, and accomplishments the City has adopted to address the issues of housing availability and affordability as well as policies and initiatives related to housing safety, regulations, and inspections.  

  1. 2020 Interim Housing Report final