Portland Housing Nonprofit Opens After Aiding 19 Households

The Mainely Empowering Foundation, a Portland nonprofit that helps Maine families cover rent and mortgage payments, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 28 to mark its official opening, WGME reported.

The organization has been operating since July 1 and has worked directly with 19 households in Cumberland and York counties, according to the station. Three families have received direct financial assistance and others were connected with outside resources. The foundation has paid more than $5,000 directly to landlords and lenders.

Executive Director Kat Cabral said the group is currently self-funded. She said the foundation was set up for people who have fallen behind on payments, cannot catch up and fear eviction or foreclosure.

The foundation's "Bridge to Stability" program pairs debt relief with individual support and financial education, including budgeting classes. "We try to treat it at the root," Cabral said.

People seeking assistance can contact the organization through its website.

This story was first reported by WGME.