Mano en Mano and community partners announce Housing Barrier Removal Fund
In partnership with the Maine Seacoast Mission, Downeast Community Partners, Sunrise County Economic Council, and the Community Caring Collaborative, Mano en Mano is excited to announce a new Housing Barrier Removal Fund open to residents of Hancock and Washington counties.
The fund will support individuals and families in Downeast Maine to meet their long-term housing goals by providing up to $10,000 as a one time grant to individuals or families for down payment assistance or home renovation needs. It aims to support individuals and families seeking financial security by supporting their capacity to buy and maintain homes and ensure that folks with ties to our community have the means to stay.
Recipients of funds will also receive access to a financial coach who will provide support in preparing realistic budgets, building financial goals and accessing public resources that may be available to them. Work with the financial coach will be available to recipients at no cost to them.
As an organization, we have witnessed housing barriers that result in families leaving Washington County. We have also consistently heard from community members that housing remains a major concern, even years after settling in the area. Along with our partner organizations, Mano en Mano understands that for our area to be socially and economically vibrant, people need to be able to live and thrive here. We are excited about the opportunities the Housing Barrier Removal Fund will create for members of our community to put down more permanent roots in the area.
If you are a community member interested in applying for the Fund, please contact a staff member that you know and trust at any of the partner organizations or at Mano en Mano. All applications are submitted to Mano en Mano by staff.
Round 1 for this fund opens October 30, 2020 and we will make up to 10 awards in this round. Applications are due November 30, 2020. Qualified applications will be selected by lottery.
Application Links:
Completed applications should be e-mailed to Elan Gabel-Richards at egabel-richards@manomaine.org. If you have questions about the fund, please email or call Elan at (207) 266-1238.