Housing listed among top four health priorities for Maine • Maine Morning Star

Housing is considered a top priority for improving the health of Mainers over the next couple years. 

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention released its updated draft Statewide Health Improvement Plan late last month to guide state and local agencies to enhance the health of Mainers. The plan outlines four priority areas including mental health, substance use, access to care and “healthy and stable housing.”

Maine has an affordable housing crisis, which was made clear in a study released last October that said the state needs 84,000 new housing units in the next decade to meet demand. The Legislature tried to make a dent in the problem during the last session by funding the development of new units, approving a rent relief pilot program and infusing cash into low-barrier shelters. 

Likewise, the draft Statewide Health Improvement Plan wants to increase the supply of affordable housing in the state and decrease the number of people experiencing homelessness. Nearly 2,700 people are unhoused in Maine, according to the state’s most recent count. 

People who are unhoused face increased risk for disease and other health conditions such as mental illness, substance use disorder and diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

People experiencing homelessness “also face higher barriers to accessing healthcare and treatment,” said Brittney La Shier, director of the Recuperative Care Program with Portland-based Preble Street.

“The pandemic really illuminated the important role that shelter and housing play in Maine’s public health infrastructure and keeping everyone in our community safe and healthy,” La Shier said. “More access to housing opportunities paired with health care services — including medical respite, substance use treatment, or mental health care — will help people experiencing homelessness find stability and an extended life, as well as a happier and healthier quality of life.”

The draft plan also specifies that it wants the state to have “housing that equitably meets the diverse needs of all.” For example, the plan suggests improving the safety and ADA accessibility of existing housing units in the state. 

The draft plan is open for public feedback until 5 p.m. Friday, so it is subject to change depending on the input received. The Maine CDC told Maine Morning Star a final version of the plan is expected in September.