Rental assistance in Portland Maine area.
Find where Cumberland County Maine residents who are facing an eviction or homelessness can get rent help from. Locate charities, government agencies or churches in Portland Maine and throughout the county that provide everything from free grant money for rental arrears to legal aid to stop an eviction or free motel vouchers. There is also security deposit assistance as well as section 8 homes. Get help with rent near you in Cumberland County Maine.
In addition to the countrywide housing programs, each and every town in Cumberland County Maine is mandated by state law to offer general assistance to its residents. That immediate financial help may be able to help address housing or rent concerns. Seniors, single moms and the disabled in the region often get priority for housing assistance.
The programs and agencies below will oftentimes administer a variety of services, however each organization has made an effort to focus on families who may be dealing with an eviction or some type of crisis that causes a hardship. Some organizations may have cash for paying rent or security deposits, some may help people apply for government benefits like section 8 vouchers, and others may just offer free advice and case management. However the fact is that all of them are trying to reduce homelessness in the greater Portland and Cumberland County Maine area.
Places that help pay rent in Portland ME and the county
Salvation Army Greater Portland is located at 297 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, Maine 04101. Phone number is 207-774-6304. They offer programs for all age groups, religions, and backgrounds including refugees. They do offer funds for rent (when available), travelers’ aide for stranded person, disaster services/assistance, housing and an emergency homeless shelter. Find other ways the Maine Salvation Army can assist.
Frannie Peabody Center runs the Haven Program. It is administered from 30 Danforth Street, Portland, Maine 04101, phone 207-774-6877. Various housing programs are offered, including rental subsidies and short-term financial assistance with a mortgage. There are grants or loans to help with housing costs, lot rent or a security deposit and even utility payments. Grants may be available to help maintain stable housing and keep people in their home or apartment, or get referrals to low-income housing with no waiting list..
Prop, which is located at 510 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, ME 04101 (phone (207) 553-5800) runs a number of assistance programs, ranging from child development up through temporary housing for Cumberland County families. Other services include home improvement loans, case management, information on section 8 vouchers, and rental grants. Low-income and elderly tenants can learn about or get information on non-profits that may funds for back rent, and home ownership training for first time buyers.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, which is based at 151 Jetport Blvd #138w, Portland, ME 04102, runs TANF, which can in fact offer emergency rent and housing aid. Emergency financial assistance is offered for single parents supporting their children, intact families with unemployed or disabled parents, or pregnant women. The main reason for any renal assistance is to prevent evictions. They also have free motel or hotel vouchers for vulnerable events, such as cold weather. Call (207) 822-2000
Bridging Rental Assistance Program, which is run by the non-profit Shalom House (address is 106 Gilman Street, P.O. Box 560, Portland, ME 04112, call 207-874-1080) may be able to assist individuals and families with rent or housing assistance for up to 24 months. Or housing may be provided until a client is awarded a Section 8 voucher or another federal government subsidy.
Applicants to BRAP need to have a psychiatric disability, must have applied to Section 8 through your local public housing, and also be currently received SSI or SSDI.
Housing Choice Vouchers, or Section 8, are offered by a number of PHA agencies in Cumberland County Maine. This federal program will help people pay their rent by offering them a voucher to make up the difference between the monthly housing costs that is due to the landlord and their income. It is an income based home or apartment. Some of the places to call for an application include.
- Portland Housing Authority - 14 Baxter Boulevard, Portland, Maine, 04101, call 207-773-4753
- South Portland Housing Authority - 100 Waterman Dr #101, South Portland, ME 04106
- Westbrook Housing Authority - 30 Liza Harmon Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092, dial 207-854-9779
- Brunswick Housing Authority - 12 Stone Street, Brunswick, Maine, 04011, dial 207-725-8711
- Other section 8 rent programs exist, and even learn about deposit help from HUD section 8.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance is at 88 Federal Street, Portland, ME 04101, call 207-774-8211. An attorney can help you address landlord and eviction matters, and may even be able to help with a foreclosure. Low-income renters, immigrants and senior citizens can get free legal services and consultations. Homeless prevention, housing discrimation and similar issues are addressed.
Every town in Maine offers General Assistance, which is in effect temporary financial assistance for bills. There may be government grants for expenses including housing, utilities, housing, and other basic services and needs that essential to maintain a household. Call your town office in Cumberland County and ask about General Assistance. Or in the city of Portland ME, call 207-482-5122.
Avesta Housing runs affordable housing programs. Other resources include rental assistance and advocacy on behalf of tenants and homeowners alike. Office is at 307 Cumberland Ave. Portland, ME 04101, or call 207-553-7777
Mediation in housing court is available. This will be for any tenant, family, or individual who is behind on their rent and/or utility bills and who is being evicted by their landlord. The Portland Maine (or Cumberland County) court clerk will set this up. The process is known as Forcible Entry and Detainer Action (FED). If behind on rental or deposit costs, and want free legal advice, request it from the county clerk.
Tedford Housing runs a Homeless Prevention Program in Brunswick. Call 207-729-1161. The team can offer landlord or tenant mediation services as well as other support, including loans for housing, rent, and energy costs. The goal is to stop evictions from occurring.
Cumberland Emergency Solution Grants – After going through the application process, including a complete phone intake with a volunteer, local non-profits may be able to help with a short term hardship or struggle, including housing challenges. Programs in the community can assist with paying rent, improve credit scores, offer money for deposits, assist with energy bills, and coordinate access self-sufficiency and employment programs.
It is a state of Maine as well as federal government funded housing program that will offer one-time housing/rent assistance and maybe loans for a security deposit. A priority is on the homeless and people who were evicted. Applicants will be referred to a social service or housing agency, general assistance or social worker. Telephone 1-877-463-6207.
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