$2,855,843 will be distributed to six organizations supporting individuals and families temporarily housed in hotels throughout Cumberland County due to COVID-19 protocals and the lack of shelter and housing space within the city of Portland.  The announcement came this morning from United Way of Southern Maine (UWSM) and the Cumberland County Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, (EFSP).

These funds will provide critical resources for Freeport Community Services, Hope Acts, Maine Association for New Americans, MaineHealth, Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Preble Street to provide services and support to approximately 400 families with 1,360 individuals temporarily housed in hotels and shelters through Cumberland County, including meal delivery, shelter, clothing, transportation and transition.

UWSM will act a a fiscal agent for the Secial Funding request and will provide administrative supports associated with processing these funds.