OBH recognizes that access to safe, decent, and affordable housing is a medical necessity for many persons with disabilities. Independent housing vouchers deliver real therapeutic value; promote consumer empowerment; support both civil and disability rights; and are demonstrated to be radically cost effective when compared to high cost, high intensity, institutionalized care. OBH administers the following two housing programs:
Housing Subsidies and Rental Assistance
The State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), through Shalom House and other local agencies, offers 2 rental subsidy programs designed to assist individuals in finding stable independent housing. Independent housing vouchers represent a foundation of recovery and hope. To the greatest extent practicable, DHHS empowers consumers with tenant-based housing vouchers which enhance individual choice, independence, and control over where a person lives and what services (if any) such a person decides to receive. Local Administrative Agents listed here:
LAA Contact List 5/3/2023
Homeless Information
If you are homeless or may become homeless, you can find a list of shelters in your area here.
General assistance at the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services may also be able to help you. Find a list of DHHS offices and contact information here.
Additional information can be found on the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website.
Permanent Supported Housing Program (PSHP)
PSHP is a federal program funded by HUD and designed to provide rental subsidies and supportive services to homeless individuals with disabilities, primarily those with chronic mental illness, substance use disorder, and HIV/AIDS. Following a Housing First model, initial PSHP recipients are encouraged, but not required to accept the provision of services to go hand in hand with the voucher.
PSHP Forms - Updated PSHP forms will be available soon!:
- DHHS Internal PSH Referral Policies & Procedures (PDF)
- Application (PDF) - also available in Word
- HUD 52580A (HQS Long Form – Fillable) (PDF)
- HUD 52580A (HQS Short Form – Fillable) (PDF)
- LAA Contact List (PDF)
Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP)
BRAP assists clients with Serious Mental Illness, including those who also have a Substance Use Disorder, with obtaining transitional housing by providing a rental subsidy and assistance with finding independent housing. BRAP is intended to serve as a bridge between homelessness and more permanent housing options, such as Section 8. BRAP clients are required to contribute 40% of their income toward their monthly rent.
BRAP Forms:
- BRAP application (PDF)
- BRAP eligibility (Word)
- BRAP SPC Powerpoint (May 2020) (PDF)
- BRAP Program Manual (April 2023) (PDF)
Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
PATH is designed to support the outreach, engagement and delivery of services to eligible persons who are homeless and have serious mental illnesses and/or co-occurring substance use disorder. Particular emphasis is placed on those most in need of services and/or engagement by an outreach worker and those services which are not supported by mainstream mental health programs.
- PATH Providers (PDF) 4/4/2024
- PATH Eligibility (Word)
- HMIS PATH Training PowerPoint (PDF)
- Maine HIMS PATH Program Guide (Word)
Recovery Residences
Recovery Residences offer a healthy, safe, substance-free living environment to support individuals in treatment and recovery for substance use disorder. Recovery Residences must be certified by the Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MARR), accept individuals who are receiving MAT, and meet quality standards.