homelessness

The Trump administration last week unveiled a series of policy changes that state officials say could results in more than 1,000 Mainers becoming homeless. Included are cuts to funding for programs that provide permanent, long-term housing and support services.

State officials now estimate that as a result of federal policy changes, about 1,200 people in Maine could lose their long-term housing and risk becoming homeless.

Under the new policy, federal funding will be shifted away from programs that have provided long-term, supportive housing for chronically unhoused people.

The winter warming shelter will be located on Riverside Street, far from service providers downtown.

Social service providers say rapid rehousing programs have been an effective tool to help people leave homelessness. But in Maine's tight rental market, it's taking clients longer to find permanent housing.

The shelter is expected to open at the start of next year, and serve about 40 people.

The executive order calls on states to move some unhoused people into treatment, including through involuntary commitment if necessary. It also encourages states and municipalities to eliminate homeless encampments.

The shelter will be located on Horton Street in the building formerly occupied by Fortin Funeral Home, just a few blocks away from Kennedy Park.

The survey, conducted back in January, is meant to provide a snapshot of homelessness on a single night in Maine. The survey counts people living outside and in some form of shelter.

Local families and visitors also sought relief at a public splash pad in Deering Oaks Park.