Maine Sees Drop in Homelessness, But Concerns Still Linger

Some encouraging, and honestly welcome, news in Maine this week as the number of people experiencing homelessness across the state is down from last year. According to this year’s Point in Time Count, about 2,413 Mainers are currently without stable housing, nearly 300 fewer than last year.

The data, collected by MaineHousing and the Maine Continuum of Care, suggests we might be heading back toward pre-pandemic homelessness levels. Officials say the progress is thanks in part to more shelter beds, continued state funding for supportive housing, and added warming shelters during the colder months.

According to WMTW News 8, Dean Klein, executive director of Maine Continuum of Care, says agencies are also getting better at identifying and supporting those living unsheltered. "We're getting better and better at identifying people who were unsheltered in the community," Klein said.

There’s more good news, too. The number of children experiencing homelessness dropped by over 25% and fewer people are relying on transitional housing, the news station reported.

A big reason for that success? Partnerships. Klein praised the work being done by the city of Portland, Prosperity Maine, and Catholic Charities of Maine, who’ve helped hundreds of people find permanent housing. Klein told WMTW in part. “With how tough the housing market is right now, that’s a huge win.”

But it’s not all positive for Mainers. The same study showed a slight uptick in the number of people without any shelter at all, and chronic homelessness, those without housing for extended periods, rose by 11%.

This data comes as some communities, especially in southern Maine, have raised concerns about the impact of homelessness. Back in April, some residents and business owners pushed for changes, saying the issue was starting to affect safety in certain neighborhoods.

Will the overall decline in Maine homelessness continue moving forward? We certainly hope so.