BIDDEFORD, Maine — The University of New England hosted a forum that discussed the complex issue of homelessness in Maine.
Roughly 200 people attended the event Wednesday night. Panelists talked about the issue of clearing encampments and the barriers they face trying to solve the homelessness.
UNE Assistant Clinical Professor of Public Health Courtni Jeffers moderated the panel. Panelists included Portland City Manager Danielle West, Ali Lovejoy with Preble Street, and Cullen Ryan, executive director of Community Housing of Maine.
They agreed that funding and a lack of services are a major hurdle when it comes to addressing homelessness in their fields.
"We have substance use systems that don't necessarily work for people who have complex healthcare needs," Lovejoy said.
Panelist also highlighted accomplishments.
"We’ve housed 494 people who were chronically homeless, working collaboratively," Ryan said. "That’s the kind of thing that works."
At times, Panelists butted heads, especially on the issue of sweeping encampments, which is a tactic Portland used to this past year. Lovejoy said doing this criminalizes homelessness.
"We’re trying to be, at least at the city of Portland, as respectful of all interests involved and never criminalize that behavior at all," West said.
At the end of the day, everyone could agree, no one should be unhoused.
"What will solve things, I think, is if we as a community agree on certain principals and then we strive for them," Ryan said.