The Maine State Housing Authority on Wednesday awarded $1.25 million to three projects statewide that will provide housing to people who are now homeless, including $500,000 for four one-bedroom units in Portland.

“MaineHousing is committed to ending chronic homelessness in Maine, especially among our veterans,” said MaineHousing Director John Gallagher in a news release. “This financing helps 10 individuals have a home of their own in their communities, plus receive the supportive services they need.”

This property at 1 Noyes Court in Augusta, shown in a photo taken Wednesday, will be developed into housing for the homeless. Staff photo by Andy Molloy

Four one-bedroom units will be at 106 Cumberland Ave. in Portland. The renovated units will be used for permanent housing for “long-term stayers” at shelters, according to the authority.

A project in Augusta was also awarded $500,000. The four one-bedroom units at 1 Noyes St. will also be used as permanent housing for homeless people.

Community Housing Executive Director Cullen Ryan said renovations include updating and modernizing the interiors of the units and making the building as energy efficient as possible.

Another $250,000 will go toward a property on Maple Street in Milbridge awarded to the Washington-Hancock Community Agency.

MaineHousing also announced that it received $54,031 as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s award of $75 million in grants to Family Self-Sufficiency Programs nationwide. Eight public housing authorities in Maine were awarded a total of $439,537.

Maine’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps residents increase their earning potential, improve their financial literacy, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency, according to the federal agency.

Local authorities receiving grants were Portland, Augusta, Lewiston, Bangor, Westbrook, Old Town, Brewer and Caribou.

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