Business and Economy

Activists Bring Attention To Homelessness Outside Portland City Hall

Maine Public | By Eliana Miller & Julie Pike

Published June 21, 2019 at 4:43 PM EDT

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Carolyn Silvius, an advocate with Homeless Voices for Justice, spoke about how government policies affect cycles of homelessness at Friday's sit-out on the longest day of the year.

Activists sat outside Portland City Hall Friday to draw attention to the needs of homeless residents.

Homeless Voices for Justice works to "to build a coalition for and of homeless people throughout Maine," according to their website.

Cheryl Harkins, an advocate for Homeless Voices for Justice, says she is disappointed with the city's decision to move the Oxford Street homeless shelter out of downtown.

"I see it as a warehouse area to hide the homeless, the poor, the disabled and the elderly," she says.

Harkins says moving the shelter will further gentrify Portland.

Other advocates spoke about their experiences with homelessness and the need for adequate support services. They organized the sit-out on the longest day of the year, to highlight the rise in homelessness during the summer months.

Eliana Miller and Julie Pike are 2019 Maine Public interns.