Maine’s General Assistance program helps people when they have nowhere else to go — no other options for finding food, shelter or medicine. It is the safety net’s safety net. And since asylum seekers began arriving in large numbers in 2019, it’s been one of the only ways to keep them afloat while the federal […]
general assistance
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Municipal leaders ask state to increase General Assistance reimbursements
Lawmakers are considering a handful of bills that would increase the state reimbursement to 90%.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers consider changes as state’s General Assistance program shows strain
Several proposals call for higher state reimbursement, as well as other changes to rental rates, eligibility and administrative support.
Posted inLocal & State, News
General Assistance programs brace for impact from early end to federal emergency rental aid
MaineHousing says it is unclear how much money is needed to close out the program and when those funds will officially run out.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Wilton approves changes to general assistance funds
The changes are state-mandated increases to the maximum amount of financial assistance municipalities like Wilton can provide to applicants of the state’s general assistance program.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Maine should address shelter shortage
What looks like a crisis for the city of Portland is really a statewide problem that needs legislative action.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
New law is aimed at easing burden of homelessness on Portland
But the president of the Maine Welfare Directors Association doesn’t believe Sen. Ben Chipman’s bill will have much of an impact on service center communities such as Portland and Bangor.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House votes to relax welfare restrictions on asylum seekers
The bill, which has gained urgency following the surge of asylum seekers to Portland, provides no money but directs DHHS to offer non-citizens welfare ‘within available resources.’