homelessness

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.

The event was part of a National Day of Action aimed to draw attention to the lack of affordable housing and the recent deaths in the homeless community on the one-year anniversary of the Grants Pass v. Johnson decision. The Supreme Court ruling determined government ordinances with penalties for camping on public land are not cruel or unusual punishment.

The funds allocated through MaineHousing can be used to hire homeless prevention specialists or provide direct financial assistance to help families.

Portland's planning board approved the development, which also includes 20 income-restricted apartments and 48 other units that will be rented at market rates. It will be built in phases at the site of Portland's former Oxford Street shelter in the Bayside neighborhood.

In his annual "state of the city" address, Portland Mayor Mark Dion said homelessness and public safety concerns are the top issues facing the city.

Preble Street caseworkers say they found housing for 277 homeless veterans across the state within the last year, and 28 received a placement during the month of September alone.

Maine currently has three Housing First properties, which includes 24/7 support services, and intends to open up more than a dozen additional sites around the state.

The city aims to move the encampment's 73 residents into some form of housing, while keeping them connected to other resources.