Organizations!

1. Hillview Apartment Complexes

   • volunteer at Hillview: Girl’s and/or Boy’s Aspirations, after-school tutoring etc https://www.bates.edu/harward/volunteer-opportunities/

2. Hope Haven Gospel Mission Homeless Shelter

   • 32-bed emergency shelter located in the heart of the Lewiston/Auburn community https://www.hopehavengospelmission.org

3. Healthy Neighborhoods

   • group transforming the Tree Streets Neighborhood of Lewiston, Maine https://www.growingourtreestreets.com

4. Raise-Op Housing Cooperative

   • The mission of the Raise-Op is to operate safe and affordable housing that is democratically controlled by its Members on a non-profit basis https://www.raiseop.com/mission-and-principles.html

Info

Housing security has continued to be a prominent issue not only within the Lewiston community, but in many cities and neighborhoods across the country. Owning a home is a well-established way of accumulating wealth in the U.S. and therefore is critical to people’s financial security. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased economic insecurity as it has left countless individuals unemployed with decreased ability to make ends meet. Many individuals, particularly new Mainers, have been subject to living in housing with lead paint for decades which has resulted in dangerously high blood lead levels in children (and has many long-term neurological effects). Another health crisis, the opioid epidemic, has also stricken Lewiston over the past decade and has led to a drastic increase of individuals experiencing homelessness [as a result of their addiction]. There is a clear need for resources to direct resources to these critical needs.