Finding safe, stable, and affordable housing in Maine can be challenging, but there are two key agencies dedicated to providing support:
MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) – Focuses on affordable housing, rental assistance, homeownership, and homelessness prevention.
Maine DHHS (Department of Health & Human Services) – Provides health, financial, and social services that help individuals and families maintain housing stability.
Each agency has different responsibilities, but they often work together to support Maine residents in need. Below, we outline their programs and how they can help you.
🏠 MaineHousing: Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance
MaineHousing is an independent state agency that provides funding, rental assistance, and homeownership programs for low- and moderate-income Mainers.
🔹 MaineHousing Programs & Services
✔ Homebuyer Assistance – First-time homebuyer loans, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education.
✔ Rental Assistance – Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, subsidized apartments, and eviction prevention.
✔ Emergency Housing & Homelessness Support – Funding for emergency shelters, rapid re-housing, and transitional housing.
✔ Home Repair & Energy Assistance – Programs like HEAP (fuel assistance), CHIP (heating system repairs), and weatherization services to help homeowners reduce costs.
✔ Affordable Housing Development – Supporting the creation and preservation of low-cost rental housing.
📌 For more information, visit MaineHousing.org
🩺 Maine DHHS: Health & Human Services
Maine DHHS focuses on public health, financial assistance, and social services that help individuals and families remain stable and self-sufficient. While it does not directly provide housing, its programs can help prevent homelessness and support those in crisis.
🔹 Maine DHHS Programs & Services
✔ MaineCare (Medicaid) & Medicare – Health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
✔ Food Assistance & Nutrition Programs – SNAP (food stamps), WIC, and food security programs.
✔ Family & Child Services – Child support enforcement, domestic violence support, and childcare assistance.
✔ Behavioral Health & Substance Use Treatment – Mental health care, addiction treatment, and disability services.
✔ Public Health & Safety – Licensing, background checks, and disease prevention programs.
📌 For more information, visit Maine.gov/DHHS
🤝 How MaineHousing & DHHS Work Together
While MaineHousing provides rental assistance and housing solutions, DHHS programs help families maintain stability by offering financial aid, healthcare, and social services.
For example:
🏡 A family facing eviction can apply for rental assistance from MaineHousing, while DHHS provides food assistance (SNAP) and MaineCare health coverage.
💡 A homeowner struggling with heating costs can get fuel assistance (HEAP) from MaineHousing, while DHHS helps cover medical bills through MaineCare.
🚨 A person experiencing homelessness can seek shelter through MaineHousing’s emergency programs, while DHHS offers mental health and substance use treatment services.
By accessing both agencies, individuals and families can find comprehensive support to improve their quality of life.
📞 Need Assistance? Contact These Agencies
📍 MaineHousing (Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance)
🔗 www.mainehousing.org
📞 (207) 626-4600
📍 Maine DHHS (Health, Food, & Social Services)
🔗 www.maine.gov/dhhs
📞 1-855-797-4357 (MaineCare & benefits)
🏠 If you need emergency housing or eviction prevention assistance, call 211 Maine or visit www.211maine.org.
📢 Disclaimer:
RentMaine.ME is an independent platform that helps connect Mainers with rental housing and housing assistance resources. We are not directly affiliated with MaineHousing or DHHS, and all information provided here is based on publicly available sources. For official assistance, please visit MaineHousing.org or Maine.gov/DHHS.
