PORTLAND, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with Portland City officials, business owners, and affordable housing advocates to unveil the renovation of the Loring House Apartments, a 104-unit affordable housing property in Portland, and the former Portland City Hospital. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Senator King delivered remarks highlighting the importance of affordable housing for Maine communities. Senator King has worked in Washington to help seniors in Maine age comfortably and safely at home.

“The Loring House Apartments help equip people in the Portland community with the safe, affordable housing they need to thrive,” Senator King said. “Through this important work, the Loring House Project is setting an excellent example of how, with enterprise and ingenuity, our historic buildings can be part of sustainable solutions that strengthen our economy and support our community. As our state’s population grows older, the need for high-quality, affordable housing is all the more essential. With innovative projects like this, Maine seniors can age with the independence and dignity they deserve.”

The Loring Apartments were converted into affordable housing units in 1985, and have been recently refurbished to preserve their affordability and lower utility costs for its residents, all of whom are older or disabled.

While in the Senate, King has supported several commonsense, affordable housing initiatives. In March he reintroduced the Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, which would create an initiative to coordinate federal efforts and programs that provide home modification resources and assistance for seniors, making it safer and easier for them to age in their homes. In 2015, he introduced legislation to reauthorize the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which is the primary tool for financing 90 percent of affordable housing projects in the United States and helps spur private investment in developments.

Following the ceremony, Senator King participated in the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center. The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, formed to empower Maine’s immigrant community and provide a means of outreach to the community, is celebrating its fully funded 3-year rent at its new Preble Street location.

Photo 1: Senator King delivers remarks at the Loring House Apartments ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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