Category: Housing & Homelessness

Housing First Project in Sanford Gets Boost from York County

Diane Small, Executive Director of Sanford Housing Authority Photo: Tammy Wells By Tammy Wells, York County media specialist A recent allocation by York County Commissioners of $440,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds will help Sanford Housing Authority build 30 apartment units in Sanford with 24/7 supports, including case management and nearby recovery services. The project uses the Housing First model, which aims to reduce homelessness. The APRA award by York County Commissioners would be used for land acquisition. Low-income…

Some Find Housing After Warming Center Closure

The encampment on Heritage Crossing Photo: Lee Burnett By Lee Burnett, Submissions Editor The closing of the warming center at former Lafayette School on April 30, 2024, sent folks in four different directions, according to York County Shelter Programs. About half are getting beds indoors. Many people are going back to living in tents, such as at Heritage Crossing in the Mill Yard, according to YCSP's Executive Director Megan Gean Gendron. Others are choosing to move to the emergency shelter…

Desperate Aid Agency Tries to Stem Flow of Immigrants

At Quality Inn, a family that had been living in Sanford for the past week awaits a bus ride to a Portland shelter. Photo: submitted By Lee Burnett, Submissions Editor The anti-poverty agency that has worked non-stop since last May to find housing for immigrants in Sanford sent out an urgent plea on Tuesday in an attempt to stem the influx. “At this time, I do not have housing availability for any new families arriving unannounced in Sanford,” read the…

Courthouse Could Be Repurposed for Housing

The former Maine District Court building at 447 Main Street, Springvale Photo: Lee Burnett By Lee Burnett, Submissions Editor The former Maine District Court building in Springvale could be converted into 20 or more apartments as a result of legislation, supported by the Mills administration, that is whisking its way through the legislature. The Sanford Housing Authority is conducting a feasibility study to determine renovation costs, code requirements, and funding streams, according to Executive Director Diane Small, who has personally…