Notably, this year's report includes data from the HOME-ARP program, assisting homeless and at-risk residents in Auburn and Lewiston. In its first six months, Auburn helped 34 homeless households and 14 households at-risk of becoming homeless.

The General Assistance program, located within the same office, saw a 330% increase in local need, with 426 applications received, including 112 asylum-related cases (509% more than the previous year). The City’s General Assistance budget contributed an additional $233,375 in leveraged funds for federal activities, a 237% year over year increase, primarily for housing, utility, and food aid.

The report also highlights the city's use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Project Support You (PSY) program. These funds provided a dedicated staff position with mental health and substance abuse expertise to co-respond directly with Auburn police and fire departments to triage care during rescue calls. In the first seven months, staff, in collaboration with Tri-County Mental Health, served 263 homeless Auburn residents.

The Auburn City Council will hold a Public Hearing regarding this report on October 16, 2023, in Council chambers. Auburn Community Development Office is dedicated to enhancing residents' well-being through strategic Federal fund investments. For more details, see the full CAPER report at: https://www.auburnmaine.gov/CMSContent/Health_and_Social_Services/2022%20AUBURN%20CAPER%20-%20Final.pdf