homelessness

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.

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.