Low-income Mainers living in subsidized housing have largely managed to keep up with rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic, but not without some falling behind on other bills, using food pantries or relying on federal and state assistance, according to a new study by the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition.

That financial strategy is not sustainable, especially with key financial assistance programs and a moratorium on evictions set to end soon, affordable housing experts said.

Interviews with 31 working families living in subsidized housing in June indicated many were able to pay rent, but just barely. Housing advocates fear the looming expiration of enhanced federal unemployment benefits and return of eviction proceedings will put families at risk in an uncertain job market and sluggish economic recovery.