Quality Housing Coalition Launches Maine’s First Direct Cash Assistance Program Targeting Formerly Homeless Mothers
August 21, 2023
Published by National Low Income Housing Coalition
Last month, the Maine-based Quality Housing Coalition (QHC) launched Project HOME Trust, the first direct cash assistance program of its kind in the state of Maine. Project HOME Trust was developed in partnership with people with lived experience of housing insecurity and seeks to support the long-term housing stability of participants, all of whom are single mothers who have experienced homelessness. Participants receive an unrestricted $1,000 monthly cash assistance payment for one year along with an array of supportive housing services. Community connection and resilience are further strengthened through the use of a cohort model. QFC is working with partners to evaluate the pilot program this year and hopes to use the lessons learned to influence policy change at the state level.
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Published by Maine Public | by Nicole Ogrysko
Published by Portland Press Herald by Hannah LaClaire
Chip Curry is a state senator representing District 11 and serves as co-chair of the Legislature’s Committee on Housing and Economic Development. Victoria Morales is the executive director of Project Home, a Maine nonprofit working to expand housing stability and prevent homelessness. Maine is currently facing a housing crisis that threatens the very fabric of our communities. While there is a consensus that we must build the 84,000 units of housing needed to stabilize our market, that process is estimated to take 20–30 years. Maine families, seniors, and children living on the brink of displacement cannot wait two decades for a roof over their heads. To prevent a catastrophic surge in homelessness today, Maine must continue to fund and prioritize the Eviction Prevention Program (EPP), a statewide initiative that helps renters avoid eviction and remain stably housed.
Peace Mutesi, Director of Economic Opportunity at Quality Housing Coalition, has been named to Mainebiz's 2025 40 Under 40 list. Now in its fourth year, the program recognizes Maine's up-and-coming leaders—the next generation shaping the state and its economy.
