Everyone in Maine should have the safety, opportunity, and peace of mind that comes from being able to afford a decent place to live. But a shortage of housing, out-of-control rents, frequent evictions, insufficient housing vouchers, and exclusionary zoning laws contribute to housing insecurity, debt and homelessness for too many people.
We have seen what we can accomplish when we come together - as tenants, as people on the frontlines of the housing crisis, and as advocates. That’s why Maine Equal Justice is convening a Housing Leadership Team to address our state’s biggest housing problems head on. Our Housing Leadership Team is recruiting 8-10 committed people who know from personal experience what low income communities are facing and want to work with MEJ staff to organize for change at the state level. Share your interest and let us know your housing story. Apply to be part of our Housing Leadership team!
Finding an affordable place to live has become extremely difficult in Maine, and the pandemic and booming profitability of the real estate market has only made it harder. That’s why we worked with Mainers who have experienced housing insecurity, legislative leaders and community partners on several bills this session to address the housing problems we face as a state. While these bills will not address the crisis alone, they have brought many people together, raised many of the right questions, and perhaps created momentum for a brighter housing future in Maine.
Zoning and affordable housing: We worked on housing related zoning bills that would take steps to improve Maine’s zoning laws to encourage housing affordability and help reverse segregation and exclusion in our cities and towns. LD 2003 sponsored by Speaker Ryan Fecteau and LD 1673 sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross. LD 2003 was signed by the Governor and LD 1673 is expected to become law without the Governor’s signature.
Housing vouchers: LD 473, sponsored by Rep. Victoria Morales, which would provide state housing vouchers to 1,000 households and institute a housing navigation program, passed the House and Senate! We are hopeful that MaineHousing will fund the programs outlined in LD 473 this year.
Tenant Blacklists: We are very happy that LD 913 sponsored by Rep. Tavin Hasenfus, was signed into law. LD 913 will protect Mainers from unfair use of court data around evictions.
General Assistance: LD 910, sponsored by Rep. Michael Brennan, was partially funded with a $10 million appropriation for municipalities to fund their General Assistance programs and help low income families facing economic emergencies to stay housed, fed and able to afford the medicine they need.
Read more about the need for affordable housing in Maine from our national partners at National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. Maine Equal Justice is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 04-3346273. 