The city of Lewiston is the second largest city in the state of Maine.
In recent years, the Lewiston has seen a spike in economic and social growth, thanks to its becoming a magnet for immigrants from Somalia.
While the dominant language spoken in the city is English, it is now home to a significant Somali population, as well as the largest French-speaking population in the United States.
Now, on April 7, 2023, the Lewiston Housing Authority and the City of Lewiston learned that they had been selected to receive $1,795,045 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.
HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative delivers a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation by providing funding for local assistance programs.
This grant will supplement the city’s previous Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Implementation Grant award of $30 million in 2021, for Lewiston’s Tree Streets Plan.
The plan includes a block-by-block revitalization strategy that aims to replace and renovate 1500 housing units in the Tree Streets and Downtown neighborhoods in Lewiston.
“It is so encouraging to see the positive impact that these grants are having in Lewiston,” said Senator Susan Collins.
“I look forward to continuing to work with city leaders in Lewiston as they further implement their long-term strategy for community renewal, because creating vibrant, thriving neighborhoods throughout our state is a benefit to all Mainers,” she added.
This award will be used to renovate the Lafayette Park, Maple Knoll, and Oxford Street housing complexes, as well as other locations in those targeted areas.
Lewiston is the only city in Maine to receive grant funding through this program, and one of only three cities in all of New England.
Historic postcard of Lewiston by unknown.