AUGUSTA – A new $12 million grant initiative in Maine aims to create nearly 100 more units of housing in three different communities.

MaineHousing has announced the new grant money, through Maine’s Home for Good program, will create 92 new affordable housing units in Bangor, Portland and South Portland.

“Addressing Maine’s housing needs calls for a number of creative approaches, including ways to get people off the streets and into stable housing, where they can then get help to turn their lives around,” said Governor Janet Mills. “With these awards from MaineHousing, communities will have more resources to address the serious challenges caused by chronic homelessness.”

The projects, according to MaineHousing, will also use low-income housing tax credits, MaineHousing loans and other subsidies. That means, MaineHousing said in a statement, the $12 million in grants could lead to an additional $24 million through tax credits and loans. 

Along with the housing construction, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services will provide 24-hour support services at each location, including helping residents find work, assistance with daily living skills and support for those suffering from substance use disorder or mental illness.

 “Services will be provided with the goal of eliminating or mitigating previous barriers to successfully maintaining housing and preventing return to homelessness, paving the way for healthier, safer outcomes for the individual and the community,” said Darah Squirrell,  director of the DHHS Office of Behavioral Health

Mills’ Home for Good program has been helping create affordable housing since 2023. In April 2025, the program allocated $20 million in state funds for projects in Sanford, Portland, Augusta, Auburn and Bangor. Those projects are expected to create a total of 138 new housing units.