Shelter Plus Care Program
Housing and Community Services
a division of Bangor Health and Community Services
One needs only to spend a brief time with people who are homeless to understand how diagnoses such as severe mental illness, chronic substance abuse, and AIDS/HIV can create unparalleled barriers to self-sufficiency. With a mission to serve those facing these significant challenges, the Shelter Plus Care Program provides subsidized housing vouchers to homeless families and individuals throughout Penobscot County. The program also requires participants receive case management services specific to their needs to aid them in achieving greater self-determination through gainful employment and acquisition of mainstream entitlements.
Community reintegration and assimilation remain the primary goal for Shelter Plus Care Participants. Special priority is given to applicants who are chronically homeless and have experienced many episodes of homelessness either on the street or in shelters.
Who We Serve:
- With the support of nearly five million dollars in HUD funding, the City of Bangor’s Shelter Plus Care Program has served over 800 households since its inception in 1994.
- During 2008, an average of 120 households per month received housing subsidies.
How We Serve:
Shelter Plus Care serves families and individuals in two ways:
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, which provides vouchers to clients who are then assisted in finding housing in the community
- Project-Based Rental Assistance, which offers subsidized housing in locations such as the City of Bangor’s Park Woods development, a partnership with Acadia Recovery Community, and the new Northside development established by Penquis
Partnerships such as those established with Penquis and Acadia Recovery are just two of the many ways Shelter Plus Care collaborates with local agencies to benefit those in need.
Shelter Plus Care Program Staff
Awa Conteh, Housing Coordinator
