Portland Simplifies Application Process And Increases Amount For Coronavirus-Rental Assistance

Press release from the City of Portland:

August 26, 2020

As a result of new guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Portland has streamlined the application process for the Rental Assistance Program. The City has also increased the amount of assistance available. The program is funded with supplemental CDBG funding made available through the federal CARES Act. The City is partnering with The Opportunity Alliance to help renters in Portland that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The program provides up to $1,000 in assistance for a maximum of 3 months, as well as up to $250 in utility assistance.

The new simplified application is available on the city’s website https://portlandmaine.gov/775/..., through the Maine Community Action Partnership website https://mecap.org/rent or by emailing The Opportunity Alliance (Melissa.Dupree@opportunityalliance.org).

The City’s program is separate from rental assistance programs being offered through the State of Maine/MaineHousing and Cumberland County. Because the programs are funded through the same U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Program, Federal rules prohibit residents of Portland from accessing funding through the state and county programs. Opportunity Alliance administers all three programs.

This press release was produced by the City of Portland. The views expressed here are the author’s own.