DEAR SUN SPOTS: We enjoy reading Sun Spots everyday. Information like the item you had about collecting stamps is interesting. You are right; not many people collect them anymore. People are busy with other things.


We would like to know the number of apartments and buildings that the Lewiston and Auburn housing authorities manage for people. They are all very nice with elevators and all modern conveniences. I know a few, such as Blake Street Towers, the Gateway and Frye School apartments in Lewiston. In Auburn I know of the big one next to the Hilton Hotel, Barker Mill and the new Pontbriand Building that is just opening. I’m sure there are many more.


Could you please list them in Sun Spots? I believe they are just for elderly and disabled people. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Do they operate other apartment buildings to rent to younger people? — Faithful Sun Spots Reader

ANSWER: Sun Spots found that answering this question is actually quite difficult because there is no single agency that administers all of the different housing programs, and there are many different rental programs offered in affordable housing. Eligibility, income limits and the amount of assistance vary by program.

Altogether there are several different agencies that supply low-cost housing. These agencies include:

• Local and state housing authorities (MaineHousing, Lewiston, Auburn, etc.).

• U.S.D.A. Rural Development. 

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To apply for an apartment in one of these properties you should contact the property manager to request an application. The managers can give you more information about the property and will let you know if you are eligible.

Much of the housing, as you noted in your letter, is limited to seniors and those with disabilities, but there are also buildings designated for families who qualify financially.

The Rental Housing Loan Program, administered by MaineHousing, does offer mixed-use residences, meaning some of the apartments will be low cost (typically targeted to households with incomes at 50 to 60 percent of the median income), while others are rented at fair market value. This program supplies tax credits for builders to offset the significant cost of building a new complex. In return for the tax credits, the builders agree to rent some units at rents affordable to lower income tenants. These builders also must meet certain requirements, such as making the buildings accessible to people with disabilities. Ultimately, the goal is to build safe, decent and affordable housing for those who can afford to pay market prices and those who cannot.

In addition to affordable housing offered through public housing properties, local housing authorities and MaineHousing administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which offers rental assistance to eligible tenants in a private apartment. Tenants typically pay 30 to 40 percent of their income toward their apartment and the voucher pays the difference.

There is no practical way for Sun Spots to list the dozens of different properties, who can live there and who administers the program. If you are interested in a specific property, the best way to find out about it is to contact the property manager of that building. They will be able to tell you if you qualify.

For other questions, you can contact MaineHousing at 800-452-4668 or 626-4600; the Auburn Housing Authority at 784-7351; or the Lewiston Housing Authority at 783-1423. MaineHousing provides listings of affordable properties by counties at http://tinyurl.com/yaal9kq.

Sun Spots is very grateful to MaineHousing’s Dan Simpson, manager of public information, and Louise Patenaude, housing referral specialist, for helping her wade through this difficult issue.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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