MaineHousing And Project Home Announce Sept. 21 Reopening Of Maine Eviction Prevention Program

AUGUSTA, Maine - MaineHousing and Project Home, formerly known as the Quality Housing Coalition, jointly announced today that the Maine Eviction Prevention Program will reopen to new applications on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.

The program provides rental assistance to eligible Maine households that have fallen behind on rent and are at risk of eviction.

To qualify, households must:

• Rent their primary residence in Maine;
• Be behind on rent and at risk of eviction;
• Owe no more than $9,600 in past-due rent; and

Have household income at or below 60 percent of area median income.

Additional requirements, including rent limits and certain forms of subsidized housing, also apply. Full eligibility requirements, income limits, rent limits, and required documents are available on the Eviction Prevention Program page on MaineHousing's website.

Eligible households may receive assistance with rent owed to their current landlord and, after past-due rent is resolved, up to 12 months of rental assistance. Total assistance may not exceed $9,600 per eligible household. Payments are made directly to participating landlords.

Funding for the program is limited. Applications will be reviewed within program priority categories on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying does not guarantee assistance and MaineHousing may close applications when available funding is projected to be fully committed.

"Reopening the Maine Eviction Prevention Program will make focused assistance available to eligible renters who have fallen behind and are at risk of losing their homes," said MaineHousing Senior Director of Communications and Government Relations Erik Jorgensen. "By working with Project Home, we can help households address rent owed, stabilize their housing, and avoid the lasting disruption of eviction while these limited funds remain available."

MaineHousing administers the program and provides funding and oversight. Project Home manages daily operations statewide as MaineHousing's contracted agent, including application review and applicant and landlord communication.

"Project Home is proud to continue working with MaineHousing and legal service and community partners across all 16 counties to help renters navigate the application process and prevent eviction," said Project Home Executive Director Victoria Morales. "When a household has fallen behind on rent, getting the right assistance at the right time can make the difference between losing a home and regaining stability."

Beginning Sept. 21, households may apply online through MaineHousing's website. Applicants who need help completing the online application or obtaining a paper application may contact Project Home. Applications may also be completed by telephone, with required documentation submitted afterward.

Applications will be prioritized in the following order:

• Eligible households that have received a summons and complaint for forcible entry and detainer;
• Eligible households that have received an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent; and
• Eligible applicants who pay more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.

Project Home must receive all required information and documentation before determining eligibility. If additional information is needed, Project Home will contact the applicant.

Applicants should know that once a complete application is submitted, it may take two weeks or longer for funds to be disbursed to the landlord.

Applicants who were previously denied because they did not submit required documentation or respond to requests for additional information may reapply. New applications will be considered based on the date they are submitted and will not be retroactively dated.

MaineHousing and Project Home encourage eligible households to submit accurate, complete applications promptly after the program reopens Sept. 21. Because payments are made directly to landlords, landlord participation is required.

Full program details and application information are available on the Eviction Prevention Program page on MaineHousing's website.

About MaineHousing
MaineHousing is a mission-driven, independent, quasi-state agency created in 1969 by the Maine State Legislature to address the problems of unsafe, unsuitable, overcrowded, and unaffordable housing. A $3.1 billion financial institution with a staff of over 180 people, MaineHousing is governed by a 10-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Governor. Each year MaineHousing assists more than 90,000 Maine households to buy, heat, rent, and repair their homes while also investing more than $750 million in the Maine economy.

About Project Home
Project Home is a nonprofit that helps low-income, working Mainers avoid homelessness through stable housing, better health, and financial security. Its work includes lease guarantees, eviction prevention, healthcare access, direct cash assistance for single mothers, and career and education support. Since 2018, Project Home has secured and stabilized housing for 3,052 households across Maine, representing nearly 11,000 adults and children. Learn more at projecthomemaine.org.