[Thread] So, back in 2024, the city of #SanfordME cleared out a #HomelessEncampment in a wooded area near an abandoned mill. Since Sanford has NO #HomelessShelters (not even a #WarmingCenter), folks had no choice but to take up shelter in the nearby abandoned mill building. And, of course, there was a fire, though some of it was still standing. Despite repeated sweeps, folks kept coming back to the mill building (though now the city has closed off the street). And Sanford still has NO shelters or options for their #unhoused residents!
'They don't care': Sanford to dismantle homeless camp as residents face uncertain future
by WGME Staff, Mon, June 17, 2024
SANFORD (WGME) -- "Sanford city leaders say a homeless encampment at Heritage Crossing is a health hazard and they plan to dismantle it on Monday.
"But many of the 60 to 80 people living there, in tents and cars, say it's the only home they've got.
"They say the city has done nothing to help them.
" 'Trying to get #housing help is a joke because there is none. Why isn't the city doing something for us? Why do I have to live in my car like this? The city doesn't care. They don't care about any of us. We’re considered bad people, I guess,' said Roberta Doherty, a Sanford native who is living out a car.
"Sanford City Manager Steve Buck says case managers have been offering services and space at local shelters [OUT OF TOWN] to people living here. But he says many campers are unwilling to take them up on their offers.
" 'There is capacity to meet the anticipated needs for rehabilitative and shelter services provided individuals will accept the offer of services. It's not necessarily that there are 30 apartments waiting [BULLSHIT! THEY HAVEN'T EVEN BEEN BUILT], but there's shelter services that is not a tent in the woods,' Buck said.
"Those 30 apartments he's referring to are plans by the Sanford Housing Authority to build a new 30-unit apartment building with support services exclusively for people experiencing homelessness. [STILL WAITING...]"
cc: @newsbot
#UnaffordableHousing #HousingCrisis #Maine #SouthernMaine #SanfordMaine #MainePol #Homelessness #WarmingShelters