As cold weather approaches, we are all aware of those people in our area who lack basic permanent shelter. I’m president of the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails board, and we are often confronted with those who have little choice but to camp on lands adjacent to our trails.

We are not unsympathetic to their plight, but encampments are not the answer. They can, in fact, hinder solutions by alienating those who truly want to help. We are fortunate to have one of Maine’s three low-barrier homeless shelters in Waterville. The Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter offers not only shelter to human beings and their companions, but a treasure trove of other services that people who are down on their luck can take advantage of. This includes helping them find jobs and permanent shelter.

We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated competent staff of people to address the issue of chronic homelessness, but they can’t do it without our support. Please join me in supporting the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter in any way that you can.

Barbara Bowling

Oakland