Project HOME program offers guaranteed rent and year-long housing support to those willing to provide a bedroom, entire home, apartment, short-term rental, or accessory dwelling unit
Quality Housing Coalition, the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), and the City of Portland are offering a first of its kind program in Maine. The Project HOME program will offer landlords and homeowners who are willing to provide a bedroom, entire home, apartment, short-term rental, or Accessory Dwelling Unit the assurance of guaranteed rent, year-long housing support, and a financial guarantee.
Through Project HOME, each landlord and home share provider will know that tenants come prepared and highly recommended. Also, monthly rent is guaranteed, and Project HOME staff will serve as liaisons to resolve issues on a 24/7 basis. In addition, Project HOME provides a financial guarantee for each unit.
“The City of Portland is doing a tremendous amount of work in providing emergency shelter space, wrap-around services, and access to housing opportunities, but we need help in locating additional housing opportunities,” said Portland Mayor Kate Snyder. “I am hopeful this program will be another piece of the puzzle.”
Elements of the program are like the Host Homes program, launched in 2019 by GPCOG and the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition. That program sought to house 148 asylum seekers who were sheltered at the Portland Expo. In 2019, homeowners who took in asylum seekers were not paid rent, but the commitment was for only three months. Under Project HOME, homeowners will have the assurance of guaranteed rent for one year.
Homeowners and landlords who want to learn more about the program can go to www.qualityhousingcoalition.org. Or contact QHC Program Manager Lucas Schrage at 207- 321-1276 or lucas@qualityhousingcoalition.org.
