Maine begins paying rent for homeless migrants

BRUNSWICK, Maine (TND) Maine has begun paying rent for homeless immigrants living in apartments located in the town of Brunswick. The state budgeted nearly $3.5 million to provide 60 migrant families in Brunswick with two years of rent. Maine expects the immigrants to gain the means to pay housing costs through state support and

BRUNSWICK, Maine (TND) — Maine has begun paying rent for homeless immigrants living in apartments located in the town of Brunswick.

The state budgeted nearly $3.5 million to provide 60 migrant families in Brunswick with two years of rent. Maine expects the immigrants to “gain the means” to pay housing costs through state “support” and “guidance.”

The state is also supplying $100,000 to dozens of Brunswick migrants for a year’s worth of asylum application and work authorization assistance. The legal support seeks to ensure immigrants receive work approval “as soon as possible” so they can “provide for themselves,” reduce pressure on public programs and help local economies by joining the workforce.

“Through this program, family members work together to support each other’s goals and achieve long-term stability with the help of a bridging case manager/coach,” a Joint Select Committee on Housing report states.

The Brunswick apartments’ planner, Developer's Collaborative, estimates it has constructed 24 one and two-bedroom residences so far. Brunswick Human Services Director Deb Crocker believes the move has been somewhat challenging for the migrants.

"It's an adjustment for them," Crocker told WGME.

Crocker says many of the migrants have lived in shelters and hotels for at least the past year.

The Brunswick monies are part of a $55 million Emergency Housing Relief Fund, which issues immigrants permanent, transitional and emergency housing.

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The United Way of Mid Coast Maine is also seeking to launch a bus program to transport the migrants, WGME reports.

It could be running to the grocery store or doctors' appointments,” Executive Director Nicole Evans said, according to WGME. "We truly hope everyone in the community will raise their hand to help however they can."

Evans expects the immigrants will still need more assistance. Three buildings containing 36 apartments will near completion in upcoming weeks.

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