The Statewide Homeless Council serves as an advisory committee on homeless matters to the Maine State Housing Authority, the Governor, the Legislature, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maine Department of Corrections (DOC). The SHC is charged with providing leadership to end homelessness and providing support to 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 Governor appoints six members, two from each of the state’s three Regional Homeless Councils, based on nominations provided by the Councils. Three members are appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, also based on nominations from each of the three Regional Homeless Councils.  The Director of the Maine State Housing Authority is a member, as are the Commissioners of DHHS, DOC, and the Director of the Bureau of Maine Veterans’ Services, or their designees.  The chair of the SHC is appointed by the Governor’s Office.