
A concept image shows what a proposed 30-bed “housing first” development could look like on Hampshire Street in Auburn. The project is modeled after Huston Commons in Portland, one of three housing first buildings operated by Preble Street to provide accessible barrier-free services for people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger and poverty. City of Auburn
AUBURN — The city is pursuing a “housing first” initiative, which if approved, would place a 30-unit development on Hampshire and Gamage streets.
The City Council on Monday will be asked to transfer three city parcels to the Auburn Housing Authority, which along with several partners, is coordinating a proposal to obtain state funding for the project.
The development would be modeled after Huston Commons, one of three such programs run by Preble Street in Portland, which provides accessible barrier-free services for people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger and poverty.
Proponents of the housing first model in Maine say it has saved the lives of hundreds of people and that there is evidence that the programs dramatically reduce costs of other city services.
During a recent workshop, city officials said Auburn is looking to take advantage of state funding that will be made available for housing first initiatives, with the state potentially funding 10 or more developments.
If ultimately approved at the local level, the Auburn Housing Authority would own the property, the Portland-based Developers Collaborative would develop the project, and Spurwink Services would provide 24-hour on-site services.
Glen Holmes, director of community development in Auburn, said the Hampshire and Gamage properties were selected because they are owned by the city and because of their proximity to public transportation, shopping, recreation and in high density zoning.
According to a council memo, the total assessed value of all three properties is $52,900.
Mayor Jeff Harmon said he and several others recently toured the Huston Commons project in Portland, and the Auburn project would use the same architectural plans to save costs and time.
Mark Swann, executive director of Preble Street, said that when the organization opened its first such development in 2005, “it was almost like a lightbulb went off.”
“Housing first has been the single best program to solve chronic homelessness,” he told Auburn officials, adding that at the time it was a “big risk” for the organization. “But boy did it pay off.”
He said over time, they saw and could document cost savings in other programming, and law enforcement became fans because they “saw big changes in people who were housed.”
A video shown to the council by Swann said the programs take in the most vulnerable people. A waitlist is maintained and tenants are selected based on vulnerability and factors such as substance use or domestic violence. Proponents say people who are chronically homeless cannot meet their basic needs, let alone address other issues like substance use, without first having access to stable housing.
Amanda Bartlett, the COO of Developers Collaborative, who is leading their housing first initiatives, said her recent tour of Huston Commons was a “powerful experience.”
“To interact with folks living there, and see how impactful this housing has been on their lives, and how transformative it is,” she said. “I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for any community to be able to bring in this type of housing and approach to solving homelessness.”
Holmes said the team is working toward a mid-March deadline for a request for qualifications from MaineHousing, but he has already begun community outreach. He said as it moves through the process, there would be Planning Board hearings but the city also plans to host an additional neighborhood meeting.
He said that while there has been some initial hesitation and resistance to the projects in Portland, the concern “has gone away as people see the impact.”
A majority of councilors appeared to support the proposal, however Councilor Ben Weisner said he is “trying to look at both sides,” including the potential loss of revenue for the city by gifting the properties.
According to the council memo, if the project is built, the ownership entity would be required to pay taxes, however it is likely the council will be asked to establish a tax increment financing district with a credit enhancement agreement to offset development costs. The memo said the city would still retain a portion of the taxes paid to be used to improve area infrastructure as well as contribute to the new Public Safety Building expenses.
Asked about potential concerns, City Manager Phil Crowell said typically law enforcement’s concern is a potential increase in Emergency Medical Service calls with certain types of housing. But he said the on-site services provided in the housing first model is “a huge benefit.”
“As far as neighborhood impacts, Portland had no concerns,” he said. “Nothing but good value for the community.”
If awarded and approved locally, the project would be looking at a construction start sometime in 2026, Holmes said.
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