MaineHousing Reports Progress on Affordable Housing and Homelessness

The agency's 2025 annual report highlights record first-time homebuyer loans, new affordable housing projects, and investments to address homelessness in Maine.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:51pm

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The 2025 annual report from MaineHousing, a quasi-governmental agency in Maine, paints a mostly positive picture of the state's housing landscape. The report highlights progress on affordable housing development, first-time homebuyer loans, and efforts to prevent and address homelessness, despite ongoing challenges such as rising costs and limited funding.

Why it matters

Housing affordability and access to stable housing are critical issues in Maine, with rising costs and limited supply impacting both renters and prospective homeowners. The MaineHousing report provides insights into the state's strategies and investments to tackle these challenges and support residents in finding safe, quality housing.

The details

According to the report, MaineHousing saw a record number of 1,274 first-time homebuyer loans through its First Home Loan Program in 2025, reflecting strong demand and the agency's efforts to support new homebuyers. The agency also completed 21 affordable housing projects with 656 units and announced funding for 137 additional affordable rental homes in rural areas, as well as 311 new affordable apartments across eight cities. To address homelessness, MaineHousing awarded $7.7 million in grants to 22 organizations for shelters, housing navigation services, and prevention programs, and started a $2 million pilot project to prevent student homelessness.

  • In 2025, MaineHousing saw a record number of 1,274 first-time homebuyer loans.
  • In 2025, a total of 21 affordable housing projects with 656 units were completed.
  • In April 2025, MaineHousing announced funding for 137 affordable rental homes in rural Maine.
  • In November 2025, MaineHousing announced financing for 311 new affordable apartments across eight cities.
  • In the winter of 2024-2025, MaineHousing awarded $7.7 million in grants to 22 organizations to address homelessness.

The players

Daniel Brennan

Director of MaineHousing, the quasi-governmental agency that released the 2025 annual report.

Janet Mills

Governor of Maine, who announced financing for 311 new affordable apartments across eight cities in November 2025.

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What they’re saying

“MaineHousing is strategically positioned and energized to advance our newly updated mission — empowering staff and partners to help Maine people afford safe, high quality housing.”

— Daniel Brennan, Director of MaineHousing

What’s next

MaineHousing's new three-year strategic plan outlines goals to increase the number and quality of first-time home loans, increase affordable housing development, and reduce homelessness in the state.

The takeaway

The MaineHousing annual report highlights the agency's progress in addressing Maine's housing challenges, including record-breaking first-time homebuyer loans, new affordable housing projects, and investments to prevent and reduce homelessness. However, the report also acknowledges ongoing issues such as rising costs and limited funding, underscoring the need for continued efforts to ensure all Maine residents have access to safe, affordable housing.