LDs 2136 and 2138 would increase support for Maine's emergency homeless shelters. These shelters provide a lifeline to unhoused residents, but they are facing dire funding challenges.
Maine is in the midst of a housing crisis and homelessness rates are increasing. According to MaineHousing, homelessness in the state has more than doubled in the past decade, from 1,200 people in 2014 to 4,258 people in 2023. Moreover, the Portland Press Herald reported in December 2023 that “Maine’s privately run homeless shelters are facing dire funding challenges and at least one is in danger of closing.”
LDs 2136 and 2138 would help Maine's shelters keep their doors open. LD 2136 would allocate $10 million to fund shelters. LD 2138 would increase the amount low-barrier shelters are reimbursed by the state for each person they serve to $90 per night. It would also authorize the state to request a waiver from the federal government to access Medicaid funds. This would give service providers more resources to support people with medical needs, such as elderly people, people with disabilities, people with substance use disorder, and people needing mental health care.
Bill Movement:
These bills originated in 2024 during the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature. See more information about LD 2136 and LD 2138 on the legislature's website.
LD 2136 Bill Movement:
- Bill printed: 1/3/2024
- Referred to Joint Select Committee on Housing: 1/9/2024
- Public hearing in committee: 1/23/2024
- Work session and vote in committee: 1/30/2024
- Unanimously voted "ought to pass as amended"
- House vote: N/A
- Senate vote: N/A
- Action by governor: N/A
LD 2138 Bill Movement:
- Bill printed: 1/3/2024
- Referred to Joint Select Committee on Housing: 1/9/2024
- Public hearing in committee: 1/23/2024
- Work session and vote in committee: 1/30/2024
- Unanimously voted "ought not to pass"
- House vote: N/A
- Senate vote: N/A
- Action by governor: N/A
