Maine’s First Affordable Housing for People with Physical Disabilities Receives Federal Funding

3i HoME was awarded $509,000 in federal funding to design assistive “smart home” technology for disabled residents at a development it plans to build in Scarborough, Maine with national nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing.

The funds will be used to design, implement and analyze the impact of user-friendly, person-centered assistive/”smart home” technology and telehealth applications for low-income people with complex needs and disabilities. This project in Maine will be located in a new residential and commercial development being created at the site of the former Scarborough Downs racetrack 7 miles south of Portland.

3i HoME and POAH plan to build approximately 50 rental apartments that will include a common living area, designated work spaces for service providers and other related amenities.

The apartments will be designed according to principles of Universal Design for easy mobility with or without a wheelchair. Bathrooms, kitchens and all living areas will be barrier free and the entire building will be wired for adaptable environmental controls and smart home functionality.

The 3i HoME community at The Downs will be a “Passive House” concept that achieves energy efficiency, comfort and affordability at the same time. The development is in the planning and approval processes. If approved for state funding later this year, the development will break ground in 2024 and will begin welcoming residents in 2025.