MaineHousing announced Thursday that it has awarded $30 million in state subsidies to six communities for them to build 248 new affordable rental homes. 

“These funding awards are yet another clear example of the unparalleled support for affordable housing development that has been shown by Governor Mills and a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers who have made the creation of safe, warm and affordable housing for all Maine people their priority,” said MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan. 

Developers in Lewiston and Scarborough were among the recipients. Groups in Waterville, Gardiner, Augusta and Bangor also received funding. 

Recipients split the $30 million, with each entity getting between $4 and $6 million. 

This comes at a time when affordable housing across the state is desperately needed. According to a report by MaineHousing in 2022, approximately 3,400 people in the state were found homeless on any given day. The report also found that 24% of households earn 50% or less of the area median income. 

The Maine Development Foundation found in its 2023 Measures of Growth report that the cost of a median-priced home rose to 62% in 2021, and then 72% in 2022. 

But things could be trending upwards. The press release mentions that there are 30 developments, more than 900 new affordable homes are currently under construction across 30 developments in the state. 

This funding came first through this past legislative session, which Gov. Janet Mills and the Legislature were able to secure $17.5 million. Another $10 million came from the state supplemental budget that passed in March. 

The release states that this investment in affordable housing for households up to 60% of area median income will leverage an additional $61 million, boosting both Maine’s economy and housing resources where the developments will be built.