Maine Non-Profit Hopes to Build State’s First Tiny Home Village For the Homeless

After years of trying to secure federal support, a Bangor nonprofit is finally getting a major boost to tackle homelessness in a new way.

According to an article on the WGME website, Dignity First has been awarded $2 million in congressionally directed spending through U.S. Sen. Angus King, according to his office.  It’s the largest funding award the organization has received and will help kickstart plans to build a tiny home community offering permanent supportive housing.

Board President Anna Phillips told the Bangor Daily News the moment is both exciting and a little overwhelming, explaining that after years of planning, the group can now begin turning ideas into action.

The project is still in early development and may launch on a smaller scale than originally envisioned.  Phillips noted that even a handful of new units could make a meaningful difference in easing Bangor’s long-standing housing shortage and homelessness challenges.  She added that stable housing doesn’t just help individuals, it strengthens the entire community.

Dignity First had previously requested $4.6 million in federal funding in both 2023 and 2024 without success, before trying again in 2025 and receiving partial funding.

King said research and real-world examples show that once people have stable housing, it becomes easier to address other issues tied to homelessness.  He also said that similar approaches have worked across the country and said it was important to begin that effort in Bangor.

With funding now secured, the next step is working with city officials to identify a suitable location and determine what infrastructure is needed.  Phillips said the goal is to select a site and begin preparations within about a year, focusing first on essentials like utilities and road access.

Rising construction costs mean the nonprofit will need to reassess how many homes it can build initially.  Phillips expects the first phase could include around five tiny homes, along with a shared “hearth center” for community gatherings like recovery meetings or services.

Plans also call for a mix of home sizes to accommodate different household needs, each equipped with a bathroom and kitchenette to support independent living.

While the scope and timeline may evolve, Phillips said the mission remains steady: helping people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use find stability and long-term housing.  She emphasized that building a sense of community is central to the vision, adding that while Mainers value independence, they also show up for each other when it matters most.

King added that beyond helping individuals, projects like this can reduce strain on emergency services and the justice system, making it a worthwhile investment for taxpayers.

The following video from a year ago gives a pretty good luck at what the village will be like.

What are your thoughts?  Let us know by sending us a message using our app.