MaineHousing

This year, the program will provide up to $500 in one-time emergency fuel assistance. Last year, households could apply for multiple payments worth up to $800 a season.

The winter warming shelter will be located on Riverside Street, far from service providers downtown.

At MaineHousing's conference in Bangor Tuesday, State economist Amanda Rector says adding workers will put more pressure on the state' housing inventory.

The project is one of five approved recently through the state's "Home for Good" program by MaineHousing. Others are in Auburn, Augusta, Sanford and Portland.

Maine officials said it's business as usual for the remaining weeks of the home heating season, but it's unclear whether staffing cuts at the federal office that administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program mean that its future is in jeopardy.

The rise in construction costs may be leveling off, but MaineHousing suggested recently proposed tariffs would increase the costs of building materials.

MaineHousing has been leasing a hotel in Saco as a resettlement hub for asylum seekers, but likely won't continue the program amid budget constraints and fewer new arrivals.

More than 1,400 tenants have already applied for assistance, and more than 500 landlords have accepted funds from the program and have agreed to end eviction proceedings against their tenants.

A housing forum in Portland this week examined the challenges and opportunities for immigrants beyond Maine's largest cities.

City officials said the Expo will serve as a bridge while longer-term facilities get up and running.