Maine Homeless

​Policy Committee

Who we are

The Maine Homeless Policy Committee is a Joint Standing Committee of the Statewide Homeless Council and the Maine Continuum of Care.  This committee is an action oriented group that collects, organizes, and shares information regarding numerous, ongoing policy initiatives.  This committee advocates on the local, state, and federal levels for resources and funding for homeless services necessary to fulfill the mission, goals, and objectives of Maine's Plan to End and prevent Homelessness.

What we do

• Disseminate information on a regular basis pertaining to current and upcoming policy initiatives relating to homelessness at the regional and statewide levels so Maine presents as a united front around homeless policy;
• Serve as an informative liaison to the Statewide Homeless Council, Regional Homeless Councils, the Maine Continuum of Care, and other local committees and coalitions regarding local, state, and federal legislation as it pertains to homelessness;
• Advocate for fully funding McKinney Vento so that the HEARTH Act can be properly implemented; advocate for adequate Section 8 funding; advocate for funding for the National Housing Trust Fund; advocate for the continuation of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, including ensuring support for the continuation of the Community Reinvestment Act;
• Maintain contact with the Federal Delegation, acting as a resource for information pertaining to homeless services in Maine; advocate for federal resources for homeless services and affordable housing; advocate for state resources for homeless services and affordable housing;
• Advocate for state and local/municipal resources for homeless services and housing;
• Advocate for a sustainable state budget to protect homeless services; maintain Maine’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness as a local priority; engage with the community and support local, state, and federal policy initiatives to reduce and end homelessness. 

Meetings & How to Participate

Maine Homeless Policy Committee meetings are held the Friday before the Statewide Homeless Council meetings, at 3:00 pm via conference call.  Meetings are open to the public, unless otherwise noted. 
Contact the Chairs of the Committee - Cullen Ryan or Vickey Rand - for more information, or to be added to the email distribution list.