BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A Maine state authority has provided more than $3 million to organizations that tackle youth homelessness in the state.

MaineHousing said it awarded the money to Preble Street, Shaw House, Aroostook County Action Program, Volunteers of America: Northern New England and Penquis. The money comes from a federal grant.

New Beginnings, which is the only emergency shelter licensed for 24-hour care for youth in Maine, played a key role in securing the funding, MaineHousing said. New Beginnings’ Executive Director Chris Bicknell said the funding is “the culmination of years of effort and it’s the first step in a statewide strategy that will dramatically change the lives of children and youth who are at risk for homelessness in Maine.”

MaineHousing said the organizations will use the money for different kinds of services. Penquis is expected to use $200,000 of the money on a pilot program designed to provide safe spaces in the community for youths and young adults who lack somewhere else to stay. Volunteers of America is slated to use more than $300,000 for services provided to young adults to help them search for housing and get support once they find it.

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