Lewiston Brackett’s recognized for work on housing issues

LEWISTON – Elaine Brackett, city social services director, has been named Quality Housing Coalition Housing Champion of 2022
Quality Housing Coalition is a statewide nonprofit that works with multiple partners to create housing-forward policies that provide quality housing for those in need in Maine.

QHC Executive Director Victoria Morales said Brackett is a “tireless advocate” for housing. “We hope that (this recognition) provides you with meaningful acknowledgement of our appreciation for the hard work you are doing in the area of housing for the Lewiston community,” Morales said to Brackett.
Brackett has been social services director since November 2019, and spent 32 years as a caseworker for the city before becoming deputy social services director before being named director.
A Lewiston native, she is one of eight children who grew up in a dysfunctional setting, she said, and she knows firsthand what it’s like to live in an abandoned building, have no home heating oil, and have no food.
She works daily with landlords and organizations in response to housing and other needs for low-income individuals and families.
Mayor Carl Sheline said Brackett has been helping people her entire career. “We appreciate her dedication to the city of Lewiston and its residents for over three decades, and she is incredibly deserving of this recognition,” Sheline said.
Brackett said she is humbled by the honor. She also praised the coalition. “They are as enthusiastic about helping folks as I am,” she said.
She is driven by a passion to help and work for positive outcomes. “Everyone has a story, and when I meet with clients, it’s important to focus on their potential,” Brackett said. “Not only do I want to assist with their immediate need but also want to embrace them and get to know them. Once an initial need is addressed, I continue outreach as to programs and opportunities that a particular client might benefit from on their individual road to self-sufficiency.”
Brackett is also known for not giving up on people. One example is the case of a client she had more than 30 years ago. The woman was homeless and asked Brackett to keep her stuffed animal for her and take care of it until she came back for it. The stuffed animal prominently in Brackett’s office, waiting for its owner’s return. “I told her I’d watch over it for her, and I will until she comes back,” Brackett said.