In the months since receiving $275,000 through the Maine Housing Student Homelessness Prevention Pilot, Biddeford School Department has emerged as a regional leader in addressing student housing instability—coordinating a multi-district effort that is already surpassing expectations.
As the lead applicant and consortium coordinator, Biddeford School Department brought together five school departments, including Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, RSU 57 (Massabesic), and Sanford to respond to increasing housing challenges affecting families across southern Maine. While the consortium initially set a goal of serving 60 families, the program is currently supporting 84 households—representing 331 individuals and 160 enrolled students. Of those served, 21 households are from Biddeford, 11 from Saco, 3 from Old Orchard Beach, 10 from RSU 57, and 39 from Sanford.
At the center of this work are Jennifer Davie and Heather VanGieson, Housing Navigators at York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC), who have handled referrals and worked directly with families navigating housing instability. Through consistent 30-day check-ins, Davie and VanGieson are listening closely to families’ needs and connecting them to existing community resources designed to strengthen long-term stability.
The focus of the pilot extends beyond short-term assistance. Families are participating in virtual “social capital” meetings to build relationships and share resources, while in-person budgeting sessions with New Ventures Maine are helping households develop essential financial management skills. Families with young children are being connected to school-based family engagement resources, including Sanford’s “The Basics Sanford” initiative, which shares information about local playgroups, Pre-K and kindergarten registration, and early childhood opportunities. All enrolled families have been screened for Pre-K eligibility, and staff have assisted them through the registration process as districts open enrollment windows.
The pilot has also prioritized access to energy assistance and financial support. When the initiative began, only five of the 84 enrolled families had successfully applied for and been approved for HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) benefits. Today, 13 families have been approved, and 23 additional applications are pending after intake. Staff have committed to walking alongside families through what can be a complex and time-consuming process, helping them understand how to navigate systems such as HEAP so they can more independently access support in the future. Families are also being referred to YCCAC’s Whole Family Coaching Program—an intensive support model currently serving approximately 10 pilot households—as well as the VITA free tax preparation program for income-eligible families.
“This work reflects our belief that stable housing is foundational to student success,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton Schools. “When students are worried about where they will sleep or how their family will afford basic necessities, it directly impacts their ability to focus and thrive in school. Through this pilot, we are investing not just in immediate relief, but in skill-building, relationship-building, and long-term stability that supports both students and their families.”
With 84 families enrolled, the program is currently at capacity and no longer accepting new housing navigation referrals. However, the consortium remains committed to supporting schools and community partners in connecting families to existing resources and landlords whenever possible. In cases where a family holds a housing voucher or resides in subsidized housing and faces potential eviction, staff are encouraging immediate outreach to preserve those placements whenever feasible.
As the next phase of the Student Homelessness Prevention Pilot unfolds, the Biddeford School Department and its regional partners remain focused on prevention—working proactively to ensure that families do not reach the point of crisis. Through collaboration, consistent support, and a shared commitment to student well-being, the consortium is building a stronger foundation for children and families across the region.