Immigrant-Led Residential Care:
Strengthening Maine’s Safety Net

In June 2026, thirty immigrant-owned residential care agencies launched the Maine Immigrant Business Coalition — making visible the essential care their teams deliver every day across the state.

400+

Mainers with intellectual disabilities, autism, brain injuries, and psychiatric needs receive 24/7/365 care from coalition members

≈1 in 4

of Maine’s Section 21 residential providers are immigrant-owned or operated — founders from Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, DRC, Somalia & beyond

2,800+

Mainers with developmental disabilities were waiting for residential services as of March 2026 (Maine DHHS)

THE CHALLENGES

Heavy regulatory burden

Services must be reauthorized every 2–3 months, with per-resident staffing approvals — administrative weight that strains small agencies.

Reputational harm by generalization

Fraud allegations involving a few providers have cast suspicion on all immigrant-run agencies committed to lawful, quality care.

Workforce & capacity pressure

Recruiting and retaining direct support professionals — two per shift, around the clock — amid a statewide care workforce shortage.

HOW TO SUPPORT THEM

✓ Right-size oversight

Pair accountability with proportionate, transparent rules and technical assistance — not blanket suspicion.

✓ Invest in capacity building

Fund training in billing integrity, documentation, and MaineCare & federal compliance so good providers can grow.

✓ Partner and amplify

Engage coalitions, policymakers, and funders to make immigrant providers’ contributions visible and valued.

Immigrant-Led Residential Care:Strengthening Maine’s Safety Net

THE CHALLENGES

HOW TO SUPPORT THEM

STANDING WITH MAINE’S IMMIGRANT-LED PROVIDERS

Immigrant-Led Residential Care:
Strengthening Maine’s Safety Net