Dear Editor:

Maine faces an affordable housing crisis years in the making. Optimists may welcome Maine Housing Authority’s recent $16.3 million in grant funding as a remedy. Cynics may see it as politicians throwing money at a problem to gain positive press and subsequent goodwill from voters. As a pragmatist and realist, I see it as both. 

I am not opposed to my tax dollars supporting people in need. I, too, have been in need. But I am opposed to waste. MHA awarded $916,000 for 12 single rooms to be rented out at affordable rates for “workforce” housing in Lincoln County. Here’s the basic math: a little over $76k to create a private sleeping space for each person (with shared bath and kitchen facilities, so imagine those living conditions)–and they still need to pay rent.

Where is the money going? To rehab and lease space from a church that does great service to those in need but is struggling financially. And the non-profit that received the grant? Amistad, an outfit out of Portland whose connection to the church began with a familial connection (staff member to clergy), evolved into a two-month emergency warming shelter (funded by a $50k+ grant) that has served so few I can count them on one hand, and now into this overpriced, inappropriately chosen housing site that may not even be viable by town ordinances. 

Why? Because the State gave such little time for proposals to be submitted. Amistad’s Executive Director Brian Townsend said they had to make a quick decision and since they already knew the space, that’s what they went with. 

Is it the most appropriate location for those in need in Lincoln County? The most cost-effective? Who knows?! Certainly not Amistad or Maine Housing Authority, because deadlines and celebratory press releases trump common-sense planning and housing that’s desirable and truly affordable to all, including Maine taxpayers. 

I urge those in Lincoln County and beyond to contact their representatives and the Maine Housing Authority with concerns and questions about whether our tax dollars are being used responsibly.

Tanya Hammond

Wiscasset