Penquis empowers communities for success during NeighborWorks Weeks
BANGOR – Penquis C.A.P., Inc., a nonprofit serving Maine communities, is joining nearly 250 organizations nationwide in celebrating NeighborWorks Weeks, May 23 through June 7. This annual event is led by NeighborWorks America, a congressionally chartered nonprofit that supports local organizations working to expand affordable housing, strengthen communities and improve financial well-being. Together, the NeighborWorks network empowers communities for success by investing in housing, education and local leadership.
“NeighborWorks Weeks is a great opportunity to recognize the power of partnership in building stronger communities,” Kara Hay, president and CEO of Penquis, said. “As Maine families continue to face housing challenges, Penquis remains committed to creating and preserving affordable homes, supporting homeowners and expanding access to needed resources. Through our partnership with NeighborWorks America, we are able to make meaningful investments that help support communities for success.”
Maine continues to face a significant housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable housing and a growing number of people at risk of losing their homes. Penquis is working to address these challenges by maximizing investments, including $336,000 in funding from NeighborWorks America last year, to advance local housing and community development. In the past year alone, Penquis helped 190 Mainers attain or maintain homeownership, created or preserved 46 rental homes, provided housing education and counseling to 736 individuals and helped 144 homes to be more safe, affordable and energy efficient.
Penquis is proud to be part of the NeighborWorks America network, which supports local organizations in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In fiscal year 2025 NeighborWorks network organizations provided more than 102,900 housing and financial counseling services, created over 17,000 new homeowners and owned or managed over 216,000 rental homes.
Penquis is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1967 to assist individuals and families in improving their financial stability. Penquis programs and services focus efforts in four key areas: housing stability, healthy lives, access to transportation and school readiness. Through its programs and subsidiaries, Penquis affects all of Maine’s 16 counties but primarily serves individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties. Approximately 5,000 people are served on any given day and more than 30,000 each year.