Portland City Council candidates attend forum to hear from unhoused residents; Mayor Dion’s hopes for detox services, and pedestrian safety a focus
The forum is part of efforts by local advocates to make voting easier for those experiencing #homelessness in Portland.
Oct. 20,2026 #Homeless #Poverty #PortlandME
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/politics/elections/portland-city-council-candidates-attend-forum-to-hear-from-unhoused-residents-mayor-dions-hopes-for-detox-services-and-pedestrian-safety-a-focus/97-9f6131e6-dc34-4fa5-b600-48aaa4a507d7
#TidySearch Bot1 (1488-1949412)
#portlandme — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #portlandme, aggregated by home.social.
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#PortlandME - #NoKingsRally: Deering Oaks Park, October 17, 2026
"A rally with guest speakers including Kelli Brennan, Shay Stewart Bouley, Troy Jackson and Elizabeth Warren."
Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxevFW3krY#MaineResists #Vote #Elections2026 #NoKingsRallies #SRCTV #Maine #MainePol #USPol #NoKings
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#PortlandME - #BurbankBranch - #FiberArts Meetup
Saturday, November 7, 2026
10:30am–11:30amProgram Type: Maker Club
Age Group: Adults (Ages 19+)"Love to do hand crafts? Bring your latest project and join other #crafters for inspiration and conversation. #Knitting, #crochet, #embroidery, and other fiber arts welcome, as are all skill levels."
FMI:
https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/fiber-arts-meetup-12755#SolarPunkSunday #CozyPunk
#PortlandPublicLibrary #BuildingCommunity #FiberArts #LowTech #LibrariesRule #MaineLibraries -
No workshop in November, but the next one is in December!
#PortlandME - #RivertonBranchLibrary - #LetterWriting with Friends
Primary tabsWednesday, December 9, 2026
4:30pm–5:30pm"Join your neighbors for a monthly letter-writing meet-up inspired by the epistolary novel The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Each meet-up will include a highlighted theme, a bit of gentle encouragement, and plenty of fun. Basic supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite pen, #stationery, #stamps, or whatever else would make your letters feel more personal. Space is limited, so registration is required for this series."
FMI and to register:
https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/letter-writing-friends-11494#SolarPunkSunday #CozyPunk #PortlandPublicLibrary #Riverton #BuildingCommunity #MakeArt #WrittenCorrespondence #LowTech #LibrariesRule #MaineLibraries
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Well then. Will it be ready by TOMORROW NIGHT?!!
#PortlandME makes plans for new winter #WarmingShelter
By Katie Delaney, October 14, 2026
"Two nonprofits have stepped up to host and operate a nightly warming shelter in Portland this winter, but there are steps city leaders need to take before it can open.
The city operated a warming shelter last year for the first time but was limited by financial and staffing restraints.
The Portland City Council held a special workshop Tuesday night to discuss the proposed winter warming shelter. It would be located downtown on the peninsula, making it more accessible than last year’s location on Riverside Industrial Parkway.
The Biddeford nonprofit Seeds of Hope has offered to operate the shelter.
Preble Street plans to host the warming shelter in the basement of Elena’s Way, its shelter on Oxford St.
City leaders said it would cost about $688,000, with MaineHousing covering about half of that.
The warming shelter the City of Portland operated last year was criticized for not opening on some particularly cold and stormy nights. The shelter only opened when conditions reached certain temperature and snow thresholds.
'We don't have the resources in terms of the staffing or the building to be able to pull this off on our own, and we're really open to partnerships to help us move this forward,' Maggie McLoughlin, Portland Health and Human Services director, said.
The new shelter would run nightly with room for 45 to 55 people.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, city leaders said there are some challenges with the proposed shelter location, and not much time to figure them out before the shelter is supposed to open in November.
“The planning board’s approval for Elena’s Way had certain conditions that would make operating a warming shelter there this winter impossible,” Dena Libner, assistant city manager, said. “With that, we have a couple options for the council that would require the council’s guidance.”
The council went into executive session at the meeting to discuss those options and get legal advice on how staff can move forward with the proposed shelter.
Public comment was open at the meeting, but only for people who wanted to comment on whether the council should go into a closed-door meeting, not on the substance of the proposal.
Several people spoke up saying they opposed the executive session, wanting the plans to be transparent. Many of them also said they want to share their opinions on the warming shelter plans.
Libner said updates on the warming shelter are expected to be discussed at the next city council meeting on Monday night. She added that people will likely be able to voice their thoughts then."
Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/portland-makes-plans-for-new-winter-warming-shelter/ar-AA2eeYOr#Maine #Homelessness #WinterIsComing #WinterShelter #Unhoused #HomelessServices #MainePol #UnaffordableHousing #HousingCrisis #HeatingFuel #TrumpsWarOnIran
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Maine Lobster Chef Competition Returns to Portland October 16 https://www.diningandcooking.com/us/52557/ #articles #Events #Maine #MaineDining #MaineFood #MaineGroceryStores #MaineRestaurants #PortlandMe
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Maine Lobster Chef Competition Returns to Portland October 16 https://www.diningandcooking.com/chefs/10327/ #articles #Chef #Events #Maine #PortlandMe
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From March 2026...
"The city also needs to develop a gameplan for a warming shelter by next winter, as this location served as the city’s only overnight shelter."
WHAT IS THE PLAN, PORTLAND?!!! #WinterIsComing!
#ColdWeather #ColdTemperatures
#Homeless #Unhoused #PortlandME #WarmingCenter #OvernightShelter #EmergencyShelter -
#WinterIsComing ! Oh, and how's that #WarmingCenter coming along, #PortlandME ?!!
Coldest air of the season so far on the way for #Northeast, snowflakes possible
Yet another weekend featuring disruptive weather is on the way with cold air, gusty winds, rain and even high-elevation snowflakes in the forecast for the Northeast.
By Alyssa Glenny, AccuWeather Meteorologist
Published Oct 12, 2026 12:13 PM EDT | Updated Oct 13, 2026
" The storm arriving later this week is projected to plunge southward out of Canada, pulsing across the Great Lakes and into the Northeast.
"While most locations from the Ohio Valley to New England will get rain and showers from this storm, the possibility remains for snowflakes to fly in the higher terrain of northern #NewYork, #Vermont, #NewHampshire and #Maine. "
#Maine #ColdWeather #ColdTemperatures #Homeless #Unhoused #NewEngland
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Very cool! I was out hiking in this area a few weeks ago...
#PortlandME - Fall Community #TreeStewardship Day – #RivertonTrolleyPark, Portland
Oct 17 2026
9:00 am - 12:00 pm"Join us at Riverton Trolley Park to help restore riparian and forest habitat near the #PresumpscotRiver, where dozens of large dead #AshTrees were recently removed [because of #EAB , unfortunately]. We will be planting small #shrubs and trees on the #riverbank and in the forest understory. We will meet in the parking lot and walk .25 miles to the river. We will be off trail in the woods to do this planting. Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, and bring a full water bottle, garden gloves and your favorite small shovel if you have them. Otherwise, all tools and supplies will be provided.
This event is free and open to everyone aged 12+ (minors should be accompanied by a parent/guardian), but please register in advance to help us prepare adequate tasks, tools, and supplies.
#MaineAudubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."
FMI and to sign up:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/fall-community-tree-stewardship-riverton/?emci=d66ac962-abc1-f111-a6a9-000d3a56d2f7&emdi=66857edd-60c5-f111-bf5b-000d3a4fbe83&ceid=14973917#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents
#SpendTimeInNature #Maine #Stewardship #CitizenScience #SpendTimeOutdoors #ForestHabitat #RiparianHabitat #TreePlanting -
An Ad Targeting Susan Collins’s Opponent, Troy Jackson, Airs in the Wrong Portland
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Students and volunteers (under the guidance of the #Sustainability director) have planted over 70 different #NativePlant species -- including #ButterflyMilkweed, which was extinct in #PortlandME, but is making a comeback!
#SolarPunkSunday #GreenSpaces #LearningThroughNature
#SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #Mindfulness #NatureHeals #NativePlants #Maine #GardeningForPollinators #Bloomscrolling -
#PollinatorGardens - #PortlandME, USM Campus
"60+ students have been directly involved in planting native plants on campus as interns, Work-study students & volunteers since inception in 2021."
#SolarPunkSunday #GreenSpaces #LearningThroughNature #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #Mindfulness #NatureHeals #NativePlants #Maine #PollinatorGardens #GardeningForPollinators
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So, something I learned about at the #Sustainability workshop is that what used to be the Food Forest at USM #PortlandME has been transformed into a Native Plant and Pollinator garden. It's a space for mindfulness for students before going to class.
"Pollinator Gardens’ Mission
To create a natural laboratory for students, staff and faculty by providing an outdoor environment seat for research and wellness, while supporting the local pollinators essential to our ecosystem."
#SolarPunkSunday #GreenSpaces #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #Mindfulness #NatureHeals #NativePlants #Maine #PollinatorGardens
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@maeve_bkk I saw the best sign in #PortlandME this week... #SusanCollins - Can't Stop Grifting. It was done up to look like one of her official signs. I'll try to get a picture of it this week...
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Portland, Maine Ranks No. 4 Foodie City in America https://www.diningandcooking.com/us/48380/ #articles #FoodDrink #Maine #MaineDining #MaineFood #MaineGroceryStores #MaineRestaurants #PortlandMe
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Sweetfern Geometer Opens in Portland, Maine https://www.diningandcooking.com/us/45623/ #articles #FoodDrink #Maine #MaineDining #MaineFood #MaineGroceryStores #MaineRestaurants #PortlandMe
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RE: https://kolektiva.social/@DoomsdaysCW/117356434937123329
So, if I were in the other #Portland ( #PortlandOR instead of #PortlandME ) I would totally be at this event! Spread the word! And bring some nonperishable goods for #unhoused folks who need it! #SupportTheResistance !
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I had #Narcan training today. Even though there's stuff out there that doesn't respond to Narcan, I felt an obligation to be prepared in case I encounter someone who needs it. I've been spending more time looking for places where #Unhoused folks are camped out in #PortlandME to see what their needs are , and will have extra Narcan on me to distribute to folks who might need it. My mom and my niece died from an overdose. Having Narcan around might have saved both of them.
#Homelessness #SubstanceUse #MainersHelpingMainers #HarmReduction #SubstanceAbuse
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So, I was talking to hubby about how #MaineNeeds was 9 miles away from the #HomelessServiceCenter in #PortlandME. He was like, "Isn't that just where folks drop off donations?"
I replied, "No, it's set up like Goodwill -- a big store where they can get warm clothes and camping gear -- and folks have to somehow figure out how to get there!"
"That's stupid!"
"Uh-huh!" -
@Gaian Whoever made the decision to move the shelter FIVE miles out of town was trying to kill off #Unhoused folks. Seriously! Downtown they were visible, had shelters, food bank, clothing & supplies, and a soup kitchen (and potential helpers, of which I was one). But as #PortlandME became more gentrified, they wanted to "clean-up" their image, so they moved some services 5 miles in one direction, and others 4 miles in the other direction (9 miles in total distance). Like unhoused folks have money for the bus! So yeah, I was not surprised to hear about folks freezing to death because the services were often closed, and so far away from everything!
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Hey @justbob , I was just posting about the #PortlandME #WarmingShelter being closed last winter! Looks like they got more funding!
#MaineHousing announces nearly $3M in grants for #winter #WarmingShelters
Miles Bergquist
Tue, September 29, 2026"MaineHousing announced $2.7 million in grants Tuesday for warming shelters to buy more beds ahead of winter.
"The money will be distributed among 12 organizations that provide short-term shelters, adding another 474 beds for #unhoused people in Maine.
"According to the housing authority, the award stands as the largest in five years and will bolster efforts to combat the housing crisis in eight of nine Maine 'homeless service hubs,' centers meant to cover all 16 counties.
"Warming shelters offer a place to stay overnight in cold temperatures, which can prove dangerous for those without protection from the elements. Most are open through the end of April.
"MaineHousing says the money may also be used for staffing, supplies, transportation, and other standard operating expenses.
" 'Dangerous winter weather can put lives at risk, especially for people experiencing #homelessness or housing instability,' MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan said in a press release. 'These grants help communities open safe, heated spaces before severe cold arrives.'
"The grant is part of a wider goal to keep vulnerable Mainers warm, MaineHousing said. Other programs they offer include the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program, meant to reduce heating costs for those who need it.
"Funds for this grant were made available by the Mills administration and the Maine Legislature."
cc: @newsbot
Source:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/mainehousing-announces-nearly-3m-grants-212425325.html#Maine #PortlandME #OpenTheWarmingCenters #HousingForAll #HousingCrisis #Homeless #StopTheSweeps #EmergencyShelters #WinterShelters #MaineShelters #HousingCrisis #UnaffordableHousing
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@justbob - #PortlandME experienced #Unconstitutional #HomelessEncampment sweeps back in 2023, before moving the shelter and services to MILES out of town (with another of the services -- where folks can get clothing and camping gear -- miles out of town the other way). Then they wonder why folks have set up encampments out there (in the woods near the big grocery store and the shelter). And last winter was BRUTAL! And the emergency shelter was CLOSED!
#PortlandME #Solidarity #Homelessness #StopTheSweeps #HousingForAll
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Chronic absenteeism in Portland high schools rises above 42%
The district has made significant improvements at the elementary level, but high school absenteeism rates are climbing, especially among #homeless, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged and multilingual students, leaders said this week.
Sep. 23,2026
#PortlandME #Homeless #Poverty #
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/09/23/chronic-absenteeism-in-portland-high-schools-rises-above-42
#TidySearch Bot1 (1487-1685764) -
Playwright’s new work tells the story of Portland’s unhoused through one person’s eyes
Kevin O'Leary's 'Alice's Threshold' addresses the issue of #homelessness in Portland.
Sep. 23,2026
#PortlandME #Homeless #Poverty #
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/09/23/playwrights-new-work-tells-the-story-of-portlands-unhoused-through-one-persons-eyes
#TidySearch Bot1 (1487-1679742) -
So @justbob , I talked about how moving the now closed-down #HomelessShelter / #EmergencyShelter to an industrial area miles away from the downtown was a bad idea. At least some folks are agreeing with me!
#PortlandME officials still wrangling over future of family shelter
City staff said there are 27 families staying in the Chestnut Street buildings as officials review options for moving it elsewhere.
by Andrew Rice, 9/15/2026
Excerpt: "When asked for opinions on a potential location, a majority of councilors agreed the service should remain downtown near transit and other services.
"Sykes, who represents District 5 where the Homeless Services Center is located on Riverside Street, said considering industrial areas for shelters is a mistake.
" 'We’re seeing the result of that with the carnage on the road,' she said. 'We have to be really careful about looking too far afield on where a shelter is appropriate.' "
Archived version:
https://archive.li/ickz7 -
Portland’s Douro Makes The New York Times’ Restaurant List https://www.diningandcooking.com/restaurants/27941/ #articles #BestRestaurant #BestRestaurants #Food&Drink #maine) #PortlandMe
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Portland’s Douro Makes The New York Times’ Restaurant List https://www.diningandcooking.com/us/13728/ #articles #FoodDrink #Maine #NewYork #NewYorkRestaurants #PortlandMe
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So, #GPCOG (Greater Portland Council of Governments) did a study, and upgrading the existing rail lines would be more expensive. What they are proposing is a dedicated bus lane on existing surface roads... Interesting...
Gorham-Westbrook-Portland Rapid Transit Study
"The study explored both rail and bus-based modes, including the potential to use existing rail corridors for rapid transit service. Once Tier 1 Evaluation corridors were identified, the costs and benefits of using the corridor for rail versus bus-based service were considered.
Existing rail corridors were not recommended for rapid transit service, mainly due to current use by freight and/or Downeaster passenger rail services, and strict FRA regulations related to shared rights-of-way.
Existing rail corridors also provide limited access to key destinations, could create environmental impacts to sensitive sites, and are susceptible to sea-level rise. Ultimately, we found that using an existing rail corridor would require major rail construction and reconstruction to support rapid transit service, which would be considerably more costly and complicated than a bus-based service, while providing less access and mobility to the public.
A more detailed description of the mode-choice analysis can be found in Chapter 4 of the final report.
More detailed key reasons for recommending a rapid bus-based LPA were determined in the Tier 2 evaluation, and include:
Capital Costs: A rail alternative is likely to cost four to twelve times more to construct than a BRT alternative.
Operating Costs: It is generally more than twice as costly to operate rail transit on a per-hour basis than it is to operate bus transit.
Ridership and Capacity: In the Greater Portland context, a street-running rail service is unlikely to produce enough added ridership to justify the higher cost of building and operating rail service instead of BRT.
Overall: BRT is assumed to provide similar benefits as street-running rail service at substantially lower per- rider cost"
https://gpcog.org/557/Gorham-Westbrook-Portland-Rapid-Transit-
#SolarPunkSunday #MorePublicTransportation
#BikeRacks #NoGorhamConnector
#MoreRapidTransit #GorhamME #WestbrookME #PortlandME -
This (and maybe #LightRail along existing rail lines)! Bonus - #GreaterPortlandMetro buses are equipped with bike racks!
Greater Portland Metro looking for feedback on Maine's first bus #RapidTransit line
The plan is to have buses operate every 10 minutes in order to connect Gorham, Westbrook and Portland
Jacob Murphy, April 29, 2026
PORTLAND, Maine — "Greater Portland Metro is in the design phase for a proposed bus rapid transit route that would connect Gorham, Westbrook and Portland. It would be the first of its kind for Maine, and project staff says the goal would be to operate buses every 10 minutes.
"Where the bus stations, bus lanes, and other infrastructure is placed along the route hasn't been decided. Greater Portland Metro is asking for community members to fill out a survey on their website to help them finalize a plan.
" 'This design stage is very important because we want the public's feedback. We're making a lot of the big design decisions at this point,' said Mike Tremblay, director of transit projects at Greater Portland Metro.
"Tremblay says he hopes they can have bus rapid transit operational in 2031 or 2032."
[...]
"Bus rapid transit takes buses and tries to replicate the service offered by light rail. 'Like, you might see on the Green Line in Boston or elsewhere in the country, bus rapid transit tries to achieve a lot of the same goals without that high level of investment,' Tremblay said."
#SolarPunkSunday #MorePublicTransportation #BikeRacks #NoGorhamConnector #MoreRapidTransit #GorhamConnector #InducedSprawl #MainePol #GorhamME #WestbrookME #PortlandME
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So, I knew if the #AmazonWarehouse got approved (which just happened, but still needs #MDOT approval), then the #GorhamConnector would rise from the dead! Grrrrr.... And of course the #MaineLegislature could have KILLED the Connector, but they chickened out! More #PublicTransportation ( #LightRail )and #BikeFriendlyRoads !
#MDOT seeks opinions for study of traffic issues west of #PortlandME
The department will share information and seek public engagement about transportation challenges in #SouthPortlandME, #Scarborough, #WestbrookME and #GorhamME.
Madeleine Kaptein
Staff Writer"The Maine Department of Transportation will host two public meetings next week as part of its Portland-West Study to identify and relieve traffic congestion in the region. The study, launched in May, is focused on transportation challenges in Gorham, Scarborough, South Portland and Westbrook.
"A drop-in open house on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Shaw Gym at the Gorham Municipal Center and a virtual meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will include information about the study, introductions to the project team and opportunities for residents to share concerns and feedback, according to a news release from MDOT.
"The study is examining existing traffic congestion and traffic patterns, reviewing research on future travel demand and population growth, and evaluating possible changes to existing roadway capacity. Improved signal timing, expanded public transportation and added walking and bicycling connections are under consideration, according to the department’s website.
"The study comes in the aftermath of plans the #MaineTurnpikeAuthority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing rush-hour traffic in the commuter corridor along Routes 22 and 114.
"The connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in Westbrook and other properties.
"An advisory committee of residents, business leaders, advocacy groups, transportation representatives and municipal officials has met bi-monthly since April to guide the study process, according to a news release from MDOT.
"The public input sessions will take place a week after the Gorham Planning Board approved Amazon’s proposed warehouse on 94 acres off Main Street (Route 25), which would see over 3,000 daily vehicle trips to and from the facility. Vehicles would travel 5 miles down Route 25 through Westbrook to the #MaineTurnpike, prompting public concern over worsening traffic.
"Amazon still needs a Department of Transportation permit to move forward with the facility."
Archived version:
https://archive.li/8ZWox#MainePol #InducedSprawl #SouthernMaine #SaveSmilingHill #SaveRedBrook #SaveTheForest #AlternativeTransportation #WildlifeCorridor #ConnectedGreenSpace #BrookTrout #EndangeredSpecies
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#OTD (Sep 08)
Events in U.S. organized crime #history.#SanFrancisco #Ontario #Cleveland #SaratogaSpringsNY #PortlandME #LasVegas #NewYork #Mafia #MafiaHistory #Histodons @mafiahistory
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kazehai – WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT
#Electronic #acidhouse #bigbeat #breaks #electronic #portlandme #soundtrack #visualnovel #yuri #Maine
CC BY (#CreativeCommons Attribution) #ccmusic
https://kazehai.bandcamp.com/album/what-hath-god-wrought
