Housing Assistance Resources in Maine

Last updated September 5, 2026

If you're facing eviction, unaffordable rent, unsafe housing conditions, or homelessness in Maine, you are not alone — and real help is available. Maine's network of state agencies, federally funded programs, and local nonprofits works together to connect residents with emergency rental assistance, subsidized housing, shelter placement, and long-term housing stability supports. The fastest way to find what's available in your county is to call 2-1-1 Maine (dial 2-1-1), a free, confidential helpline staffed by trained specialists who can match you with local resources 24 hours a day.

Maine Housing, the state's housing authority, administers many of the key rental assistance, voucher, and homelessness programs in the state. HUD-funded Continuum of Care networks also operate across Maine's regions, coordinating shelter beds, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Your local Continuum of Care can be reached through 2-1-1 or identified through Maine Housing's website.

Certain populations have dedicated pathways: older adults (60+) can connect with their regional Area Agency on Aging for housing counseling and home repair options by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116; veterans can access housing and case management services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and survivors of domestic violence can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for safe, confidential housing referrals. No matter your situation, starting with 2-1-1 or the resources below will point you in the right direction.

Key programs in Maine

2-1-1 Maine

A free, confidential statewide helpline that connects Maine residents with local emergency rental assistance, shelter openings, utility help, and other housing-related resources. Specialists can search by ZIP code and current need.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, 24/7. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or visit 211maine.org to search online.

Maine Housing (Maine State Housing Authority)

Maine's official housing authority, which administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, the Emergency Housing Relief Program, homelessness prevention funding, and programs for first-time homebuyers and people experiencing homelessness.

How to access: Visit mainehousing.org or call 207-626-4600. For rental assistance and voucher waitlists, ask 2-1-1 about current openings, as waitlists open periodically.

HUD Continuum of Care – Maine Regional Networks

Federally funded regional coalitions that coordinate emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk.

How to access: Access is coordinated through a local Coordinated Entry system. Call 2-1-1 Maine to be connected to the Continuum of Care serving your region, which will conduct an assessment and prioritize services.

VA Homeless Veterans Programs (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability can access HUD-VASH vouchers (rental assistance paired with case management), the SSVF rapid rehousing program, and other VA homeless prevention services through the Togus VA Medical Center and community partners.

How to access: Contact the VA Maine Healthcare System at 207-623-8411 or 1-877-421-8263, or call 2-1-1 for referral to a local VA-partnered homeless veterans program. Veterans in crisis can also call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Maine

While primarily a utility assistance program, LIHEAP helps Maine residents maintain stable housing by covering heating costs that might otherwise force difficult trade-offs with rent. Administered in Maine by DHHS through community action agencies.

How to access: Apply through your local Community Action Agency (find yours via 2-1-1 or at maine.gov/dhhs) beginning each fall when the program opens. Income eligibility limits apply.

Housing Assistance resources for Maine

Avesta Housing Development Corporation

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Portland, Maine207-553-7777
Visit

Coastal Enterprises, Incorporated

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Brunswick, Maine207-517-9877
Visit

Community Concepts, Inc. Also Dba Homequestmaine

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

South Paris, Maine207-333-6419
Visit

211 Housing & Shelter

Nationwide

Local shelter, rental, and housing assistance referrals. Dial 211.

Visit

National Low Income Housing Coalition

Nationwide

Resources and local referrals for affordable housing and rental assistance.

Visit