ACAP Homeless Prevention Program coming to an end
PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. (ACAP) has administered the Homeless Prevention Program for nearly two years with funding from MaineHousing, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Those services will be coming to an end Oct. 31, when funding is eliminated.
During this two-year period, ACAP has been able to provide financial assistance to over 120 households with security deposits, rental payments, moving costs and case management services, totaling approximately $105,000. Staff has helped over 2,700 people with information and referrals for legal assistance, and advocacy over the course of this grant. The program also served another 160 households as part of the Department of Health and Human Services Family Stabilization Program, contributing an additional $400,000 in revenue to the area in the form of rent, mortgage and utility payments, and essential household appliances.
Staff has worked closely with general assistance offices, Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter, Pine Tree Legal Services, churches and multiple social service organizations to provide housing for those who showed evidence of becoming more stable.
“Homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless is much more of a problem than our agency anticipated. We receive several telephone calls daily, as well as a number of people who walk in looking for resources for housing. Many seeking help are from Aroostook County but a surprising number are from other states who end up here for various reasons,” said Susan Deschene, manager. “ACAP refers some people to the homeless shelter and, if housing becomes available at a later time, uses program funds to help with start-up costs. The most requested assistance is for security deposits.”
As a result of homeless prevention funds ending, several area representatives from diverse backgrounds have begun meeting monthly. The intent is to address the implications of fewer resources and what services might be initiated for those unable to go to the County’s only homeless shelter but need a place to stay overnight. The group is working on a project called “Room in the Inn,” a program based on the (interfaith) Urban Ministry Center, which can provide a place for people to have a hot meal and place to sleep for the night in a warm, safe environment. This group will be working on community education efforts to discuss the level of need in our community, as well as dispelling some of the common stereotypes surrounding homelessness. For further information, call Lisa Green at ACAP at 764-3721.
