The SHC is charged with providing leadership to end homelessness and supporting the three Regional Homeless Councils; educating people on homeless issues; serving as a coordinator of information; assessing statewide needs; identifying potential resources and improving access to them; and reviewing, monitoring and implementing plans to end homelessness in Maine.
The SHC consists of 14 members. The chair of the SHC is appointed by the Governor’s Office. The Governor also appoints six members, two from each Region, and three members are appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. All appointments are based on nominations from the three Regional Homeless Councils. The Director of the Maine State Housing Authority, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections, and the Director of the Bureau of Maine Veterans’ Services, or their designees, are also members.
Maine Statewide Homeless Council Executive Member Listing
Rich Hooks Wayman | Chair | Volunteers of America Northern New England |
Eric Jorgensen | MaineHousing Representative | Maine Housing |
Taylor LaCroix | DHHS Representative | Office of Behavioral Health – DHHS |
Bruce Noddin | Maine DOC Representative | Department of Corrections |
Matthew Kennedy | MBVS Representative | Maine Bureau of Veterans Services |
Emily Flinkstrom | Region 1 Representative | FairTide |
Cheryl Harkins | Region 1 Representative | Homeless Voices for Justice |
Aaron Geyer | Region 1 Representative | City of Portland |
Andrew Lardie | Region 2 Representative | Tedford Housing |
Noelle Coyne | Region 2 Representative | Western Maine Community Action |
Kevin Boilard | Region 2 Representative | Kaydenz Kitchen |
Elsie Flemings | Region 3 Representative | Healthy Acadia |
Jena Jones | Region 3 Representative | City of Bangor |
David McCluskey | Region 3 Representative | Community Care |
Region 1 HC
Seeks to Implement the Statewide plan to end homelessness. Serve as a central point of coordination for homeless services including those for the chronically homeless and for homeless prevention services that are provided to individuals and families in York and Cumberland Counties. Influence policy on local, regional, state, and national level with regards to homelessness and homelessness prevention. Lead a network of communication and education about homelessness, services available, and services needed. Develop goals, objective, and strategies specific to Region One to implement the Stata Plan (such as reviewing and improving the service network and prevention programs). Involve all stakeholders in a planning process that provides input in the Statewide Plan as well as Region One activities in a manner that is both inclusive and transparent. Region One includes York and Cumberland Counties.
Region 1 Co-Chairs:
Leanne Pomeroy, Preble Street
Vickey Merrill, Community Housing of Maine
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Region 2 HC
The Mission of the Region II Homeless Council is to eliminate homelessness by coordinating and implementing plans for housing and services, and by advocating for resources that address both immediate needs of homeless persons and the underlying cause of homelessness in our region. The counties included in Region Two are Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Franklin, Oxford, and Somerset Counties.
Region 2 Co-Chairs:
Alice Preble, Office of Child and Family Services – DHHS
Tracy Allen, Kennebec Behavioral Health
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Region 3 HC
The purpose of the Region III Homeless Council is to provide a single, coordinated, inclusive assistance system addressing the causes underlying homelessness within the service area. Region Three consists of Piscataquis, Penobscot, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook Counties.
Region 3 Co-Chairs:
David McCluskey, Community Care
Jace Farris, Hub 8 – Downeast Hub Coordinator
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