#MaineACLU - Experiencing #Homelessness in #Maine
Last updated: August 28, 2026
"People experiencing homelessness are increasingly harassed and #criminalized for trying to survive in public spaces.
"But when a person loses their housing, they retain their legal rights and freedoms.
"The #criminalization of homelessness refers to when cities enact and enforce laws to target and punish unhoused people for conducting necessary, life-sustaining activities like sleeping and sitting outside."
Maine towns and cities must provide advance notice of any sweep or removal of a campsite from public property.
During an encampment sweep or campsite removal, local officials CANNOT destroy your personal property, unless it poses a hazard to health or safety, you consent to the property being thrown away, or you voluntarily abandon your property.
If you are impacted by an encampment sweep, you have the right to:
- At least 24 hours notice before an encampment sweep or removal of a campsite.
- Storage of your personal property – including IDs, official documents, tents or tarps, chairs, bicycles, radios and other electronic equipment, medications, photos, medical devices like walkers and wheelchairs, and other valuables – for at least one week.
- Notice of personal property stored by local officials and information about how, exactly, stored property can be claimed, including where the property is stored."
#KnowYourRights #Homeless #Unhoused #MainePol #HomelessInMaine #HomelessSweeps #CriminalizingHomelessness #ACLU