This winter, as heating bills rise and food costs remain high, many families are finding it harder to keep up. At Tedford Housing, we hear daily from households on the brink — those facing unexpected expenses that threaten their housing stability. Whether it’s an increase in rent, a medical emergency that drains savings or the cost of winter heating stretching an already tight budget, these financial shocks can be all it takes to push someone into homelessness.

The truth is, a little help at the right time can mean the difference between staying housed and losing everything. On average, it costs Tedford $1,034 to help a household stay in their home through homelessness prevention programs. Compare that to the cost of emergency shelter: over $12,000 for a family and more than $6,000 for an individual. These costs go toward keeping the lights on, paying staff who provide case management and support, and ensuring guests have food and a safe place to sleep. Family shelters, which offer private apartments, are even more expensive to operate than congregate shelters for individuals. But in both cases, one thing is clear: Keeping people housed before crisis strikes isn’t just more cost-effective; it spares families the trauma of losing their home in the first place.

The impact of preventing evictions

Stephen, a lifelong Mainer, spent most of his life working on a fishing boat along the coast of Harpswell. Over the years, the physical toll of hard labor and chronic back pain made it impossible for him to work without risking further injury. With no reliable income, he fell behind on the lot rent for the trailer he owned. Exhausted from borrowing what he could from friends and cutting every non-essential expense, Stephen was staring down the possibility of losing his home.

Tedford was able to step in, covering his overdue rent. With the stability of a home base, Stephen was able to schedule the back surgery he needed without the added stress of wondering where he would sleep. Soon, he hopes to be back on the water, doing the work he loves.

Security deposits: A small barrier, a big impact

For Ben, the road to stable housing had been long and painful. After spending more than four years cycling through shelters in the Lewiston area, he received the devastating news that his child had passed away. Overcome with grief and without the stability or resources to cope, he struggled to take the steps necessary to find permanent housing.

After years of uncertainty, Ben finally found an apartment in Bath. He was eager to rebuild his life but faced one last financial hurdle: coming up with a security deposit on top of the first month’s rent. Living on a fixed Social Security income, it was an impossible sum. When he called Tedford, he timidly asked if we could help with just $100, fearful of asking for too much.

Tedford not only contributed to his security deposit, but our Outreach and Homelessness Prevention coordinator, Kimberli, also worked with Ben’s landlord to set up a payment plan for the remaining balance. This allowed Ben to make the transition to permanent housing without the overwhelming stress of paying everything upfront. When Ben heard the news, he was overwhelmed with relief. Later, he called Kimberli from his new lofted space with vaulted ceilings, telling her that after four years of shelters and instability, his new space “felt like a mansion.”

Stronger homes, stronger communities

The financial and emotional toll of losing a home is staggering, and the longer someone remains unhoused, the harder it becomes to recover. By stepping in at the right moment, we help our neighbors avoid the trauma of homelessness and its lasting impact. At Tedford Housing, we believe no one should have to choose between medical care and rent, or between heating their home and keeping it.

When we help families stay housed, the ripple effect strengthens our entire community. Children stay in school, parents remain in the workforce and the well-being of all of us improves. Keeping people housed benefits not just individuals but the resilience of our Midcoast community.

Katrina Webster is the Development and Communications Associate at Tedford Housing.