homelessness

Maine was one of about 20 states that sued the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development over a new policy that would have gutted federal funding for permanent and rapid rehousing services.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development told a federal court this week that it's withdrawing a funding plan that would have gutted permanent housing services for Mainers. But the state's support network for people experiencing homelessness is still in limbo.

At a Bangor City Council meeting last night, some residents pushed back against the city's plans to sweep a large homeless encampment.

About 236 veterans in Maine were connected with permanent housing in 2025, a more than 10% bump over the previous year, according to the department.

A new 24/7 warming center opened its doors this week just in time for the first winter storm of the season. Located at 70 Horton St. in Lewiston, the Alter L/A Emergency Warming Center can shelter up to 100 people.

State officials have said as a result of new federal policies, about 1,200 people in Maine could lose their long-term housing and risk becoming homeless.

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.