Sen. Talbot Ross bill to expand housing stability services advances, awaits funding

AUGUSTA — A bill from Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D–Portland, to expand support for Mainers experiencing chronic homelessness has been enacted by the Legislature and placed on the Appropriations Table for funding consideration.

LD 1910, “An Act to Strengthen Housing Stability Services by Increasing Support and Outreach,” would strengthen the state’s homelessness prevention efforts by funding outreach caseworkers and housing stability workers to connect unhoused individuals with services and permanent housing.

“This legislation builds on what we know works: direct outreach, individualized support and sustained connection to services,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “It’s a strategic investment that will not only improve outcomes for unhoused Mainers but reduce strain on emergency services and public systems statewide.”

The bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with nonprofit organizations across Maine to hire 18 new staff — nine outreach caseworkers and nine housing stability workers — who would provide individualized support and help ensure people are in safe indoor spaces while they work to secure housing. The legislation also requires DHHS to report back to the Housing and Economic Development Committee by September 1, 2025, with updates on implementation and the results of the competitive contracting process.

LD 1910 has been passed by both the Senate and House. It now awaits final funding approval from the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee before it can become law.

Sen. Talbot Ross is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing part of her hometown of Portland and Peaks Island. She serves as the Senate Chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and sits on the Judiciary Committee.