BANGOR, Maine — Affordable housing options are a necessity in Maine. Mother of five Allison Parker can attest, based on life experience. She and her five children, ranging from three to 20 years old, have been living in the same Bangor apartment for 13 years after she moved there from Lubec to get an education and break the cycle of poverty. Now, she is on her way to becoming a first-time homeowner, thanks to a nonprofit housing organization, a sizeable grant, and a group of local college students.
Parker has been involved with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor for some time. She says in the past, she had tried applying for its affordable mortgage program, but the projects happening were always too small for the size of her family. About a year ago, she received a call about a new, four-bedroom location going up on Pearl Street. She applied again, and from there, the process began.
"For me right now, it's kind of surreal," Parker smiled, noting that the down payment for a home has always been the biggest barrier for her. "It's starting to become more of a reality -- the more I see the house coming together and the more I'm on-site, kind of being able to help out."
Author: Chloe Teboe (NEWS CENTER Maine)
Published: 7:38 AM EDT March 26, 2021
Updated: 8:33 AM EDT March 26, 2021
Reference: http://bit.ly/Localcollagestudents
