Home repair programs, accessory dwelling units, home-sharing and more
Older Mainers are facing an unprecedented crisis in the availability of affordable housing options in the community where people want to age. Recent data from New Gloucester suggest that residents want to stay in their homes as they age but face a variety of challenges, including the age and condition of their houses. Indeed, many older residents appear to choose not to stay. [See https://ngxchange.org/new-opportunities-ahead-for-new-gloucester-as-a-livable-age-friendly-community/]
An upcoming free workshop addresses housing challenges and opportunities at the state and local level. The University of Maine Center on Aging is hosting a Lifelong Maine Housing Workshop on Zoom on Wednesday March 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Speakers will explore some of the housing challenges, options and solutions available in Maine, including an overview of housing from the state perspective, practical topics such as affordable home repairs, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and home-sharing:
- Status of Housing in Maine. Ryan Fecteau from the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, Noel Bonam of the Maine State Housing Authority and Judy East of the Maine Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning will open the workshop with an overview of Housing in Maine.
- Home Improvements and Repair Opportunities. Learn about USDA Rural Development’s programs to build or improve housing and essential community facilities in rural areas including hospitals, libraries and schools, and the Community Action Partnerships throughout Maine that provide help with weatherization, home repair, lead abatement, and home replacement programs to allow people to live safely and comfortably in their homes.
- Accessory Dwelling Units are smaller independent living spaces on the same lot as a single-family home. They can be attached to the home itself or be separate structures on the owner’s property. Representatives from South Portland will discuss how they have increased awareness of their ADU regulations to make it easier for residents to capitalize on their homes to develop an ADU and will share a few tips for financing a unit.
- Home sharing is one way for home seekers and home providers to make housing affordable, while also receiving mutual benefits of companionship and security, the opportunity to help the home provider save money, reduce debt and keep housing & utility costs affordable.
To join the Lifelong Maine Housing Workshop on Wednesday on Zoom:
Link: https://bit.ly/LFMeCLC
Telephone: 1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 851 6287 9506
Password: 103086
Learn more about the Lifelong Maine Housing Workshop by clicking the Events tab at this link: https://www.lifelongmaine.org/home
To learn more about initiatives under way to make New Gloucester a more age-friendly, livable community, contact blingnewgloucester@gmail.com.
— Julie Fralich
