In Westbrook, officials are weighing a zoning change that would allow the creation of smaller shelters. There is no current proposal to build one, but the city wants to be ready.
homelessness
Posted inLocal & State
State homeless council opposes upcoming sweep of Portland encampment
The chair of the Maine Statewide Homeless Council says removing people from their encampments further victimizes them and doesn’t solve the problem.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State
Gov. Mills’ post of encampment photos puzzles allies and critics alike
The governor removed a Facebook post that included photos of a Portland homeless encampment juxtaposed with more idyllic scenes of mountains, lakes, the coast and a county fair and words that asked “where in Maine are these spots?”
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Two state lawmakers proposing bills to end sweeps of homeless encampments
Representatives from Portland and Bangor are floating the prospect of creating sanctioned camping areas on public property and prohibiting sweeps.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Dismantling barriers to shelter will take patience and time
The early experience of Portland’s new Encampment Crisis Response Team should be instructive for all of Maine.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Housing, cost of living top of mind for Mainers in UNH poll
Hot-button issues like abortion and gun control have taken a back seat to the economic concerns that affect respondents’ lives on a daily basis.
Posted inLocal & State, News
How I became homeless
Across Portland and numerous other Maine communities, homelessness has grown far more visible since the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked people living on the streets this summer to share their stories.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State, News, Schools and Education
Augusta elementary school ups security after people found living on school grounds
Two people were issued trespassing notices recently after police found them living at the Lillian P. Hussey School.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Preble Street launches ‘No Veterans Homeless’ campaign in Maine
The goal is to house 100 veterans in the 100 days leading up to Veterans’ Day on Nov. 11, and to end veteran homelessness in the state by 2025.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State, Maine Crime, News
Augusta to ramp up police presence downtown after merchants say uptick in crime is causing fear
Officers to be paid overtime to patrol the Water Street area while city councilors weigh whether to fund a new full-time position.