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Work Begins on Hand in Hand Apartments

Milbridge, Maine—Construction has begun on Maine’s first off-farm affordable housing project for farmworkers, with $1.4 million being used to invest the local community. This money will also create or maintain numerous jobs throughout Maine-based architecture, construction, and lending institutions. When completed, Hand in Hand Apartments will house six farmworker families in 3 three-bedroom and 3 two-bedroom apartments at 173 Wyman Road in Milbridge. Offering affordable housing options to local families who choose to make some of their annual income from working on a lobster boat, on the blueberry barrens, or in the clam flats will help keep these works in the area to support our resource-based economy. Construction is currently scheduled be completed by May 31, 2011.

“We are heartened by the incredible work that Mano en Mano has done to provide stable housing for farmworkers in Washington County,” said Ron Phillips, President of Coastal Enterprises, which financed a portion of the housing loan. “It’s a nice fit for CEI, as the project supports access to local food for area residents and to good-quality housing for farmworkers, key participants in the local economy.”

Mano en Mano is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Milbridge with a mission is to “build a stronger Downeast Maine by working with diverse populations to provide affordable housing and educational opportunities, remove barriers to health and social services, and advocate for social justice.”

“These apartments represent the vision of a community and long over-due support for families who embody the character and tradition of Downeast Maine,” said Ian Yaffe, Mano en Mano’s Executive Director, “Finally, the farmworkers who have made this area special for generations will have a building they can afford to live in that was designed with their needs first. We’re excited to offer these families an opportunity to stay here as they help sustain our local economy, enrich our community, and foster our quality of place.”

Key partners in this project are E.W. Littlefield, Inc. of Hartland (General Contractor) and WBRC Architects/Engineers of Bangor (Architect/Engineer). Major funding is through a $1,005,722 USDA Rural Development Farm Labor Housing Grant and $176,778 Farm Labor Housing Loan, as well as a $220,000 loan from CEI of Wiscasset.

Additional support and technical assistance for this project include: a Pre-Development Loan of $60,000 from MaineHousing, HUD’s Community Development Block Grants, a component fund of the Maine Community Foundation, Edmond Bearor, Rudman & Winchell Attorneys, Pathstone, Housing Assistance Council, and generous community donors.

This project, begun by Anais Tomezsko, Mano en Mano’s previous Executive Director, is a small, yet important step toward achieving the goal of affordable and decent housing at the local level. Washington Hancock Community Agency’s 2008 Needs Assessment reported that affordable rental housing was in high demand throughout Washington County, including the town of Milbridge. According to a 2009 report by the MaineHousing, 71% of Milbridge households are unable to afford the cost of a basic two-bedroom rental without using more than 30% of their gross income.

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “The hard work provided by the farm labor workforce is essential to driving the local agricultural and aquaculture industries in the area. Having a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home for these workers and their families is essential, and I am pleased USDA Rural Development could play a key funding role by providing nearly $1.2 million in loan and grant funds for construction as well as continued support through rental assistance to make this project
a reality.”

Hand in Hand Apartments will be open to permanent residents or U.S. citizens who earn a substantial portion of their annual income from agriculture or aquaculture work. Detailed qualifications will be released in the coming months along with the application process for living in this building.

“This is an excellent project and we are glad to have been able to participate,” said Dale McCormick, MaineHousing’s Director. “We congratulate Mano en Mano for their perseverance and wish them every success.”

Mano en Mano has relied upon numerous community members and officials from the Town of Milbridge who support this project and will continue to provide guidance throughout the construction process.

More information, updates, and time lapse images of the construction progress, will be posted at http://www.manomaine.org. Mano en Mano is an equal opportunity provider.

Related imagery is available for download at http://www.manomaine.org/docs/press.

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