United Way of Southern Maine (UWSM) and the Cumberland County Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) received notice from the EFSP National Board that UWSM will receive$1,218,672 to support individuals and families temporarily housed in hotels throughout Cumberland County due to COVID-19 protocols and the lack of shelter and housing space within the city of Portland.

Funds made available as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act – Humanaitarian Relief, will provide critical resources for the city of POrtland to provide services and support to approximately 400 individuals and 200 families temporarily housed in ten hotels spread throughout CumberlandCounty, including city staff at hotel locations, transportation and transltion services.

“With individuals and families spread out across the county, challenges are different and more sigificant thna what we faced in the past when individuals and famllies were housed and served in one central location,” said Aaron Geyer, Social Services Director, for the city of Portland in an email today.

UWSM will act as a fiscal agent for the Special Funding Request and will provide Administrative support associated with processing EFSP funds.