Program Description

Rumford Group Homes (RGH), Inc. is a non-profit social service agency nationally accredited by the Council On Accreditation social service agency serving abused, homeless and mentally ill children and adolescents.  As part of our continuum of care, we have developed the Pinewoods Supported Housing Project to serve homeless individuals and families in Oxford County, Maine.

RGH, Inc. will serve homeless and chronically homeless adolescent youth ages 18-25 with disabilities through the Pinewoods Supported Housing Project.  This project addresses the needs of homeless youth in Oxford County, including single individuals, couples and families, and pregnant or parenting single mothers.  They will be served by the creation of a new four-unit permanent housing complex using project-based vouchers.  The program will be located in the Oxford County town of Norway, Maine, located in Region II.  It will be situated on a three acre, in-town lot, within walking distance of town services and shops. 

The four-unit apartment building will consist of two three-bedroom units with approximately 1,400 square feet; one two-bedroom unit with approximately 1,200 square feet; and one one-bedroom unit with approximately 1,000 square feet.  An office is located on site for a Resident Services Coordinator, who will provide supportive services to the participants in the program.               

Pinewoods will serve two (2) chronically homeless persons and/or families who are disabled and two (2) homeless persons and/or families ages 18-25. Specifically, the program will serve four families, for up to a total of nine (9) to twelve (12) homeless individuals by providing permanent supportive housing. 

The major goals of the program are 1) to help families/individuals maintain and sustain safe and affordable housing 2) to secure a stable income and 3) to work on issues that may have led to homelessness.  Children will attend the local school district.  The ultimate goal for all clients living in this apartment complex will be to move closer to independent living and maintain permanent housing. This housing can be at Pinewoods, where the length of stay is indefinite, or tenants will be assisted in securing other permanent housing of their choice, such as becoming a first time home owner.   Staff will work with participants with these goals in mind.

In addition to providing housing, Rumford Group Homes, Inc. will provide supportive services to participants in the program.  Services may include individual/family case management to access existing mainstreamed resources, mental health and substance abuse services as well as life skills groups. Life skills groups may focus on issues such as job preparation and placement, budgeting, nutrition and cooking skills, apartment maintenance, goal setting, and other topics needed for independent living depending on the needs of participants.

The targeted population will be homeless individuals/families/youth that are located in Oxford County, a geographic region represented by Region II Homeless Council. 

Referrals: Referrals come from other social service agencies, schools, medical staff, police departments, parents, civic and/or religious organizations, concerned citizens and self-referrals.  Access to the shelter is through our HYO Program. To make a referral please call 369-9439 or 357-5579.