Housing can’t wait! Write your legislators to support $18 million in the budget for rent relief!

Right now, legislators are making decisions about where state funds are most needed. The Budget Committee has included $18 million for a rent relief pilot program in the budget! Please send a message NOW to support rent relief to help prevent evictions! Legislators need to hear from all of us that safe, affordable homes for all are our priority.

Background

Maine should have enough safe, affordable homes for all, including renters. But for many Mainers, a lack of affordable homes and sky high rents are putting their lives and livelihoods at risk and threatening the roof over their heads. In 2023, nearly six thousand Maine households faced eviction. Some Maine households are paying over 70% of their monthly income towards rent, and a majority of low income households pay more than half their monthly income on rent.

The severe cost burden of high rents has ripple effects on our whole communities as we see more and more families having to choose between rent, food, medicine and the needs of their kids.

It doesn’t have to be this way! We have an opportunity right now to fund relief.

How will rent relief help?

A rent relief pilot program could immediately ease the financial burden for people whose incomes can’t keep up with rapidly rising rents, and who are not being supported by other programs (like Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section 8), offering up to $800 a month for 24 months. This would quickly reduce evictions and the Section 8 waitlist while more homes are built.

Mainers who could benefit from rent relief, including many single parents and caregivers, Mainers with disabilities, older Mainers on fixed incomes, workers who do essential but low-paying jobs, and students. While Maine develops more affordable housing and increases our supply over the next decade, rent relief plays a critical role in keeping people housed right now.

More information can be found in our fact sheet!

Thank you for supporting this essential policy for housing justice!