Through collaboration, education, and engagement, we build support for informed policies and strategic investments that strengthen communities and expand housing opportunity for all.
OUR ADVOCACY
While CHOM's direct work is providing high-quality housing, CHOM is also deeply
dedicated to advocating for a better world in which everyone can be included.
CREATE, FACILITATE
CHOM initiated and coordinated FUSE Greater Portland, a highly collaborative, cross-system initiative that operated from 2015-2026. Using a by-name, data-driven approach, FUSE prioritized housing and long-term stability for people experiencing chronic homelessness, frequent utilization of emergency systems, and significant barriers to housing. Over more than 11 years, the initiative demonstrated the impact of cross-system collaboration and helped shape many of the coordinated practices and partnerships that continue to guide Maine's homelessness response system today.
EDUCATE
CHOM believes change starts with understanding. Through policy education, advocacy resources, presentations, community outreach, and public awareness efforts, CHOM helps policymakers, partners, and community members better understand housing and homelessness issues while equipping them to take meaningful action. By fostering informed dialogue and shared learning, CHOM helps build support for solutions that expand housing opportunity, prevent and end homelessness, and strengthen inclusive communities.
PARTICIPATE
CHOM staff actively participate in and have held leadership roles within the Statewide Homeless Council (SHC), Regions I, II, and III Homeless Councils, the Maine Continuum of Care (MCoC), the Emergency Shelter Assessment and Response Team (ESART), the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition (MAHC), and the SHC/MCoC Policy and Advocacy Committee. CHOM is also a member of the inaugural National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) State Advocacy Partners Cohort, helping advance housing and homelessness policy while strengthening local, state, and national partnerships to address homelessness and expand housing opportunity.
ENGAGE
CHOM engages policymakers, partners, advocates, and community members in housing and homelessness issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Through advocacy updates, coalition participation, public policy engagement, and relationship-building, CHOM helps connect stakeholders with timely information, meaningful opportunities for involvement, and collective efforts to advance housing opportunity, prevent and end homelessness, and strengthen inclusive communities.
HOMELESS ADVOCACY
All of CHOM's work is rooted in vigorous advocacy, working to ensure that everyone is included as part of the community. This is done through local, municipal, State, and Federal collective, grassroots advocacy efforts designed to ensure that people have access to the resources needed to live and thrive.
CHOM has established collaborative relationships with advocates in Maine, who all work together to effect positive, lasting change for vulnerable populations.
CHOM leads and participates in various advocacy and policy related activities on the local, state, and national levels. CHOM works with steadfast advocates working on policy initiatives to end and prevent homelessness.
CATALYST FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
CHOM works with advocates across Maine to ensure our collective voices are heard at all levels of government. We play a key role in helping groups, coalitions, and organizations advance policies, legislation, and initiatives that support the successful community inclusion of vulnerable populations, including by regularly assisting with drafting correspondence that demonstrates the effectiveness of these policy efforts.
EXPERTISE ON ENDING HOMELESSNESS
CHOM staff are routinely invited to share their expertise on effective strategies communities can use to prevent and end homelessness. Drawing on on-the-ground experience and proven models, CHOM is frequently asked to present in a variety of settings – both locally and nationally – highlighting best practices, lessons learned, and pathways to achieving lasting housing stability.
ADVOCACY GOALS
IMPROVE HEALTH & WELLNESS
Housing is a key social determinant of health
ACHIEVE COMMUNITY INCLUSION
Everyone deserves to be part of their community.
UNITE
FAMILIES
Families adequately supported and brought together create a reduction in state custody and foster care costs
INCREASE SELF ESTEEM & SELF WORTH
People feel secure, healthy, and feel best when they belong, and have a safe and stable place to call home
REDUCE
COSTS
Smart policies create system-wide cost savings in emergency services, shelter, and healthcare costs
GENERATE
ACCESS
People thrive when we remove barriers and create access to jobs, social interaction, and education
