Maine

Opinion: Funding for Maine housing emergencies should be nonnegotiable

Published

1 year ago

February 15, 2025

Opinion: Funding for Maine housing emergencies should be nonnegotiable

A few days ago in Augusta, a community member almost froze to death while they slept outside in single-degree weather. Perhaps lawmakers don’t know it, but on their way to the State House in the mornings, they are passing right by woods where more fellow Mainers have been camping. Then, elected leaders enter the marble hallways of the Capitol to consider funding — or cutting — programs that prevent evictions and build affordable homes.

None of us can have a productive, healthy life without a decent and affordable place to live. Housing comes first in our lives — and it should be a first priority in the state budget. Yet this year the governor has proposed cutting the housing program of last resort, General Assistance, making those facing eviction and homelessness eligible for only three months of relief a year.

She didn’t continue funding for the successful Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) created by the Legislature in 2024. In fact, the governor’s budget would even divert $10M from the HOME fund, which supports programs including affordable housing development, homelessness assistance, home repair and lead abatement.

Legislators must stand up for these programs and ensure they are adequately funded. Doing so would support thousands more families crushed by housing costs and better protect our cities and towns from housing and financial crises.

The EPP, an $18 million pilot, is expected to help at least 1,000 households pay their rent and avoid the trauma and displacement of an eviction. As soon as the program opened in October, applications rushed in from 1,800 renter households swamped with rising housing costs. Money continues to flow to help renters catch up and stay afloat. Each renter who is helped to stay in their home alleviates costs for GA, shelters and other programs.

Our legal team has helped Mainers who qualify for relief from the EPP. It’s life-changing.

In November, Maine Equal Justice met a tenant at eviction court in Portland. He owed his landlord back rent from being out of work for several months due to a serious illness, and his wife was working limited hours because of complications with her pregnancy. He was starting a new job in a couple of weeks, but it was going to be difficult for him to catch up on his debt. Our paralegal helped him apply for rent relief, and within a month, his landlord received a check to clear his debt. This assistance is going to help him and his wife save money for the birth of their first child, due any day now.

That’s the power of housing: this man, his wife and their child will spend their first months together in security and be able to work for a brighter future. Multiply that brighter beginning by the 1,000 households the EPP will help. We wish legislators could meet more families like this.

Losing a home can mean months or years of instability, job loss, lost education and stability for children and trauma. Maine undoubtedly needs to pull out all the stops for new construction, but it will take a decade or more to meet current needs, so supporting people who have an emergency now must be a top priority.

Maine people strongly support more housing solutions like the EPP. In 2024, Maine Equal Justice surveyed Mainers with low income; housing was the top concern by far, and nearly 90% supported extending the pilot to prevent more evictions.

Some worry that taking care of our renters facing eviction is too much for Maine to take on. They say we simply need more help from the federal government for programs like Section 8 (housing vouchers). That’s clearly not going to happen this year, and it’s no excuse to allow evictions to skyrocket.

Maine can prevent evictions, and their societal costs, by asking the wealthiest 1% and corporations to pay their fair share. What is the state for, if not marshaling resources for an emergency that is affecting every community and almost every business?

We know lawmakers want to do their best to make a difference for Maine people. We hope they’ll keep in mind how much of their work and success depends on their previous night’s sleep, morning shower, dinner and breakfast at the table, and knowing their families are safe and warm. Our homes are basic to everyone’s survival and success — and should not be treated as optional or up for negotiation in the budget.

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

7 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

19 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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Maine

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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