In partnership with MaineHousing, ProsperityME is offering Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) application assistance to members of the immigrant community who are struggling with rent and utility payments due to lost income or increased expenses during COVID-19. ProsperityME was awarded a grant to work with two CAA's (Community Action Agencies,) The Opportunity Alliance, and York County Community Action to help conduct program outreach and file applications for New Mainers.
ProsperityME will provide ERA application assistance, cultural brokerage, and case management services to immigrants facing houselessness due to job loss, pending eviction, past due bills, and other financial stressors. eviction, homelessness and those who lost their jobs.
In March of 2021, $200 million was awarded to the State of Maine by the US Department of the Treasury to help those economically harmed by COVID-19 to make essential rent and utility payments. ProsperityME was selected by ERA program administrator MaineHousing as a designated CAA partner in April of 2021 to serve immigrant Mainers living in Greater Portland and York County.
Under this partnership, our services will include:
Conducting ERA program outreach activities - including education, translation and referral services - to increase program accessibility.
Providing application assistance for the ERA and other housing support programs.
Liaising with fellow CAA organizations to ensure that all documentation is complete and understood by applicants.
Case management services for ERA applicants and existing ProsperityME housing support clients for the duration of the program.
Financial education and coaching services to help program participants identify and overcome specific economic barriers and develop an actionable plan for long-term housing stability.
The ERA is a natural expansion of ProsperityME’s existing housing services. Since 2018 we have helped to house asylum-seeking families through our “Supporting Immigrant Tenants” security deposit assistance program, ultimately helping over 50 people rent private apartments and build good credit. Support from MaineHousing has enabled us to hire a dedicated housing support team who will provide essential case management for ERA program participants.
Questions about the program and program eligibility should directed to Director of Housing, Dieudonne Nzeyimana. Appointments for applicants are REQUIRED. Please call our office at 207-797-7890 to schedule a time with one of our Housing Case Managers.