hoMEviews - a Podcast with MaineHousing

This episode of hoMEviews features guest host Tricia Harriman, MaineHousing’s Director of Homeownership, in conversation with Erik Jorgensen, Senior Director of Government Relations and Communications. Drawing on eight years in the Maine Legislature, Jorgensen explains how he connects MaineHousing with state lawmakers, Maine’s federal delegation, and external partners while translating complex housing and finance issues into practical information for policymakers.

Resources mentioned

MaineHousing website: www.mainehousing.org

Press Release Page: https://www.mainehousing.org/news

MaineHousing Dashboards: https://mainehousing.org/data-research/program-data

Employment Opportunities: https://mainehousing.org/about/careers

Events Calendar: https://mainehousing.org/news/mainehousing-calendar

State Elections: https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections-voting

Maine Reps: https://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/MemberProfiles

Current State Officials: https://www.maine.gov/portal/government/officials.html

Full Legal Disclaimer:

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that MaineHousing makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented are for general information only. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. MaineHousing does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, link, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Moreover, MaineHousing makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses or other elements that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

MAINEHOUSING EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

[JB1]Just looking at past podcasts, it doesn’t look like we usually include a summary of the podcast, just a few sentences introducing the person and a basic overview of what they talk about. I don’t think we need anything more than the first paragraph.

[JB2]We don’t use any abbreviations in this episode so we don’t necessarily need this section. We can keep it if you want to.

Summary of Episode:

Maggie Silva, Host, interviews Melissas Ames about MaineHousing’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, also known as ReStart. Melissa details how a person looking to better their financial situation can go about applying for the ReStart program, some of the success stories from over the years, and data associated with the program. She also explains how this program intersects with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department.

Resources mentioned

• ReStart Program: https://www.mainehousing.org/restart
• FSS Programs Around the State: https://tinyurl.com/mtvkn32d
• Melissa’s email: [email protected]
• MaineHousing website: www.mainehousing.org
• HCV webpage: https://www.mainehousing.org/hcv
• HCV phone line: 207-624-5789
• Rental Programs and Assistance: https://www.mainehousing.org/rental
• Home to Stay Program: https://www.mainehousing.org/homeless-initiatives
• HUD video mentioned: https://vimeo.com/730140183?fl=pl&fe=sh
• hoMEworks Homebuyer Education: https://www.mainehomeworks.org/
• Financial Literacy Classes: https://tinyurl.com/yxjzwpcc

Abbreviations Used:

ESHAP: Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance Program

FSS: Family Self-Sufficiency

HCV: Housing Choice Voucher (department within MaineHousing)

HFA: Housing Finance Authority

HUD: Housing and Urban Development

MSHA: Maine State Housing Authority

Full Legal Disclaimer:

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that MaineHousing makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented are for general information only. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. MaineHousing does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, link, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Moreover, MaineHousing makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses or other elements that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

MAINEHOUSING EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

In this episode, Maggie Silva, Host, talks with Allison Gallagher about the Housing Choice Voucher Department. Allison details what exactly a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) is and how someone may apply for and use one as a renter. Maggie and Allison also talk about situations where HCV users have become homeowners, as well as barriers to housing in rural areas and some ways renters and homeowners can overcome those barriers.

Resources mentioned

MaineHousing website: www.mainehousing.org

HCV webpage: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/rental/rentaldetail/housing-choice-vouchers

HCV phone line: 207-624-5789

Rental Programs and Assistance: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/rental

Abbreviations Used:

HUD: Housing and Urban Development

HCV: Housing Choice Voucher (Federal program and Department within MaineHousing)

EHS: Energy and Housing Services (Department within MaineHousing)

P&R: Project & Research (Department within MaineHousing)

MSHA: Maine State Housing Authority

HFA: Housing Finance Authority

Full Legal Disclaimer:

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that MaineHousing makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented are for general information only. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. MaineHousing does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, link, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Moreover, MaineHousing makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses or other elements that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

MAINEHOUSING EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

In this episode, Maggie Silva talked with Dan Brennan about his role at MaineHousing. Dan Brennan is the current Director of MaineHousing. He oversees the day-to-day activities of MaineHousing and ensures its many departments are working together towards the common goal of building, financing, and keeping Mainers in affordable housing across the state. Dan talks about his role within the organization and what motivates MaineHousing employees who come here every day to do what they do best; help the people of Maine.

Resources mentioned

MaineHousing website: www.mainehousing.org

Press Release Page: https://www.mainehousing.org/news

MaineHousing Dashboards: https://mainehousing.org/data-research/program-data

Employment Opportunities: https://mainehousing.org/about/careers

Events Calendar: https://mainehousing.org/news/mainehousing-calendar

State Elections: https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections-voting

Maine Reps: https://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/MemberProfiles

Current State Officials: https://www.maine.gov/portal/government/officials.html

Abbreviations Used:

HUD: Housing and Urban Development

HCV: Housing Choice Voucher (department within MaineHousing)

EHS: Energy and Housing Services (department within MaineHousing)

P&R: Project & Research (department within MaineHousing)

MSHA: Maine State Housing Authority

HFA: Housing Finance Authority

NCSHA: National Council of State Housing Authorities

Full Legal Disclaimer:

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that MaineHousing makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented are for general information only. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. MaineHousing does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, link, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Moreover, MaineHousing makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses or other elements that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

MAINEHOUSING EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

In this episode, Maggie Silva, Host, talks with Scott Thistle about his role as the Director of Communications at MaineHousing. Maggie asks Scott about how he communicates with the Press and his views on the reporting work done in Maine to keep the public informed on how MaineHousing is addressing Maine’s housing crisis. Scott also shares what it’s like to be a part of borrower success stories and contribute positively to building sustainable, affordable housing for Maine families.

Resources mentioned

MaineHousing website: www.mainehousing.org

Press Release Page: https://www.mainehousing.org/news

MaineHousing Dashboards: https://www.mainehousing.org/data-research/housing-data

Abbreviations Used:

HUD: Housing and Urban Development

MSHA: Maine State Housing Authority

HFA: Housing Finance Authority

Full Legal Disclaimer:

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that MaineHousing makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented are for general information only. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. MaineHousing does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, link, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Moreover, MaineHousing makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses or other elements that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

MAINEHOUSING EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

Kelly Watson, the Director of MaineHousing's Homeless Initiatives Department, joins Host Maggie Silva in the first episode of MaineHousing's new podcast hoMEviews, to discuss the programs, funding, and focus of of Homeless Initiatives in Maine.

Show Notes:

Calls for homeless issues: 211

Homeless initiatives webpages on MaineHousing’s website: https://www.mainehousing.org/partners/partner-type/homeless-service-providers/homeless-initiatives

Phone #: 207-501-5958

Homeless provider programs:

ESHAP: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homeless/homelessdetail/emergency-shelter-and-housing-assistance-program

Housing Problem Solving: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homeless/homelessdetail/housing-problem-solving

Emergency Shelter list: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homeless/emergency-shelters

Warming Shelter List: https://www.mainehousing.org/news/public-notices/2025---2025-warming-shelters

Pilot Program for students: https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/safeschools/counseling/highmobility/homelessed

If you are in an awarded district, reach out to your McKinney-Vento Liason at one of these schools:

• Biddeford Schools
• Lewiston Public Schools
• MSAD 70
• Portland Public Schools
• RSU 1

Abbreviations Used:

EHAP: Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance Program

HUD: Housing and Urban Development

MSHA: Maine State Housing Authority

HFA: Housing Finance Authority

Full Legal Disclaimer: By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that MaineHousing makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented are for general information only. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. MaineHousing does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, link, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Moreover, MaineHousing makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses or other elements that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

MAINEHOUSING EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.