Two people were discovered last week to be living on the roof of the Lillian P. Hussey Elementary School in Augusta.
The assistant superintendent told the Bangor Daily News that the individuals were camped out at the school during the last weekend in July. The following Monday, a custodian found an unauthorized ladder on the premises, which led to the discovery that two people had been living on the roof.
According to the assistant superintendent, the individuals were escorted off school grounds and the campsite was removed. No arrests were made.
The assistant superintendent told the Bangor paper that there were no plans to increase security at the school, as the doors already remain locked and security cameras are already used on the premises.
A recent survey of Maine’s population revealed that in 2022 Maine had the seventh highest rate of homelessness in nation, with an estimated 32 out every 10,000 people experiencing homelessness at a given time. This represents a 103% increase over Maine’s numbers in 2021.
Earlier this year, Augusta considered possibilities for addressing their homelessness crisis that included allowing those who were homeless to legally camp on private property, even suggesting that the city could work on connecting homeless individuals with willing property owners. Despite general support for the suggestion, a desire nonetheless remained to find indoor housing solutions that would protect homeless individuals from the natural elements.
Portland has also found itself facing a homelessness crisis in recent months.
[RELATED: Portland Police Investigating Death At Western Promenade Homeless Encampment]
Despite a shortage of shelter space, city officials have moved to shut down homeless encampments throughout the city. Earlier this year, Portland cleared out a homeless camp located on the Bayside Trail between Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, reportedly leaving those who had been camping there with no place to go, as Portland’s shelters were already at capacity.
It is believed that those who were displaced as part of that process have now moved to the Park and Ride on Marginal Way, which is located on state-owned property. Due to the presence of the encampment, the Maine Department of Transportation moved to formally close down half the spot in the lot.
Portland is now moving to shut down another homeless camp located on the Fore River Parkway Trail, though that camp remained active as of Thursday afternoon.
According to Portland Health and Human Services Director Kristen Dow, all those living in the encampment will be offered “some form of shelter or housing” before the encampment is closed for good, although no specifics were provided.
[RELATED: Portland to Launch Home Share Program to House Asylum Seekers]
Meanwhile, Portland recently announced Project HOME, a home share program launched in collaboration with the Quality Housing Coalition (QHC), aimed at providing housing for “asylum seekers” currently living at the Portland Expo.
Although the program’s language is initially suggestive that the housing opportunities are to be available to all those who need them, the City has explicitly advertised Project HOME as a means to house “asylum seekers.”
We are working with Quality Housing Coalition @QHC90982948 + @GPCOG207 on Project HOME to match homeowners + landlords with extra rooms/units available for people who need housing. Learn more via https://t.co/8p1cy1G3XC or listen to this recent podcast: https://t.co/id395spoKE pic.twitter.com/zCtTS78l7c
— City of Portland, Maine (@CityPortland) July 31, 2023
The State Legislature approved a budget measure last month that allocated $100 million to address the state’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis.
It remains to be seen how this funding will ultimately translate into tangible solutions for towns and cities throughout the state.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="21418 https://www.themainewire.com/?p=21418">4 Comments
Next time throw them off the roof. These pedophiles are camping out at an Elementary school for a reason. A child disappears, who’s gonna look on the roof.
Portland has a homeless crisis and will only help to house illegals. Mills and her communists only want to help illegals and screw the Americans. Mills now want 75000 more illegals into our state. When will the people of Maine wake up and vote the socialists out of office. The people in cities like Portland will continue to turn our country into a third world country. Portland asked to be a sanctuary city, the rest of the state did not! Let the stay at Rachel Ross Talbot house. She wanted a bill to allow illegals to stay in private homes.
The Not so “Super” Intendent has no plans to increase security?! Security cameras are only useful if security officers are monitoring them, but we know liberals swear they want to protect our children while they deny increasing any security measures at schools across the country. Yet, they openly and freely support sending 100 Billion in weapons of war to Ukraine?! Does the hypocrisy scream any louder?! I think not!
these cities and the state only want to help illegals what about our homeless vet’s shame full