Maine and Florida residents in need of affordable housing may be in luck, thanks to the "Housing for Everyone" grant offered by the TD Charitable Foundation.

It is the foundation's signature program, and it's aimed at the preservation and creation of rental housing units for low- and mid-income families with children. The competition invites local non-profits in the aforementioned states to submit proposals to address the most pressing housing needs in their districts.

"Housing for the Future" is the theme for this year's competition, focusing on initiatives that revitalize and restore standing energy-efficient rental spaces, as well as erecting living establishments for the less fortunate -- providing them with accessible and affordable housing. Poverty-stricken individuals will be able to better care for themselves and their children. Also, future generations of needy families will inherit habitable housing.

TD Bank will award $100,000 grants to 25 organizations throughout Maine and Florida, a total donation of $2.5 million. In order to be considered, organizations are required to submit a proposal online. Funding must be allotted for the expansion, redesign or preservation of viable existing properties, increasing the quantity and quality of affordable units available to the community. Charities will do this by evaluating and upgrading the structure, systems and efficiency of underused and abandoned properties so they can provide permanent or interim housing for low- and moderate income people.

"We are very thankful for TD's commitment to our work to rejuvenate this block in the Old North End," said Brenda Torpy, Champlain Housing Trust's CEO, a former grant winner. "In these days where there are fewer federal resources but increased demand for affordable housing, this award is a welcome and appreciated contribution to our development plans on Archibald and Bright Streets."

Urban, suburban and rural areas are all fair game when it comes to the construction of new affordable housing properties. New and revitalized housing must include access to transportation, parks, schools and shopping, and should be attractive and supportive for the families that will dwell within them.

The addition of comfortable living quarters to communities that lack affordable housing for the less fortunate creates tremendous opportunity. Beyond housing, the community growth will produce job opportunities, draw in new businesses, stimulate the local economy and reverse community decline.

Eight years ago, the TD Charitable Foundation began investing millions into the "Housing for Everyone" competition. In total, they've invested nearly $12.2 million, and helped to create or maintain 10,000 affordable housing units.

Proposals will only be accepted online at www.TDBank.com (click on "Our Community") and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Winners will be notified in mid-November 2014.

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