U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro called U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, to announce that more than $2.5 million will be awarded to housing authorities in Maine to help residents obtain safe and affordable housing.

Collins and Sen. Angus King released the following joint statement in response to the announcement:

“This funding is a step forward in supporting individuals and families in Maine who need assistance in gaining safe and affordable housing. These programs help those in need to live as independently as possible and provides new opportunities to help Mainers succeed.”

Two million dollars will be awarded to the Maine State Housing Authority for Section 811 Project Rental Assistance. These funds are awarded to state housing agencies that have developed methods for identifying, referring and conducting outreach to a population of extremely low-income persons with disabilities requiring long term services and support.

In addition, the Lewiston Housing Authority will receive $196,391; and $341,132 will be awarded to the Portland Housing Authority for the ROSS, or Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency, program. This program helps public housing authorities to hire or retain a “service coordinator” who works directly with residents to assess their needs and connect them with educational opportunities, job training and promote self-sufficiency.