Senate gives initial approval of Senator Rafferty bill to assist with student housing insecurity and homelessness
AUGUSTA — Today, the Maine Senate voted in favor of LD 384, “An Act to Prevent Student Homelessness,” a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk. In first votes, the Senate supported the measure 28-6.
“Any steps taken, whether big or small, are essential when it comes to ending student homelessness,” said Sen. Rafferty. “I am grateful to my Senate colleagues for taking one of those steps with me today. Our students deserve our support, and I will keep doing my part in making sure they have what they need.”
The bill, as amended, would establish the Student Homelessness Prevention Program within the Department of Education. The purpose of the program is to provide direct financial assistance to students and their families so they may find stable, permanent housing, avoiding any further vulnerability of homelessness. This is done by providing designated liaisons pursuant to the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001, which will help families gain access to emergency financial assistance in an amount of up to $750 per student.
According to the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, over 73 percent of evictions in Maine occur as a result of less than $1,300 in outstanding costs, highlighting the precarious financial situations that many families in our state are facing.
In the 131st Legislature, Sen. Rafferty led the effort to create a pilot version of the Student Homelessness Prevention Program. The measure became law with overwhelming support, and has been popular and successful in Maine schools.
“It has been so refreshing and such a change to actually have something tangible to be able to offer families when they reach out for help,” wrote one school district in response to the pilot program. “For the longest time, it’s been tough not being able to do a whole lot to help other than making referrals and getting families on waitlists. To be able to actually be able to help in the moment of hardship is so wonderful.”
The bill faces additional votes in the Senate and House.
Sen. Rafferty represents Senate District 34, which includes Berwick, Cape Porpoise, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, North Berwick and Wells in York County.