Maine safety net spending has tripled since start of pandemic

With costs ballooning, state lawmakers are looking at ways to restructure the state's General Assistance program to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Our View: Crisis in Sanford further exposes Maine’s underpreparedness

Successive calls for coordination of asylum seekers at the state level have led to nothing. What took place in Sanford this week will continue happening if this inaction continues.

Lawmakers considering proposals to create statewide database for General Assistance

Tracking information could be an essential part of larger reforms for the program, some lawmakers and state officials say.

Our View: Strengthening the safety net for Maine’s safety net

Municipal leaders ask state to increase General Assistance reimbursements

Lawmakers are considering a handful of bills that would increase the state reimbursement to 90%.

Lawmakers consider changes as state’s General Assistance program shows strain

Several proposals call for higher state reimbursement, as well as other changes to rental rates, eligibility and administrative support.

General Assistance programs brace for impact from early end to federal emergency rental aid

MaineHousing says it is unclear how much money is needed to close out the program and when those funds will officially run out.

Wilton approves changes to general assistance funds

The changes are state-mandated increases to the maximum amount of financial assistance municipalities like Wilton can provide to applicants of the state's general assistance program.

Our View: Maine should address shelter shortage

What looks like a crisis for the city of Portland is really a statewide problem that needs legislative action.

New law is aimed at easing burden of homelessness on Portland

But the president of the Maine Welfare Directors Association doesn't believe Sen. Ben Chipman's bill will have much of an impact on service center communities such as Portland and Bangor.