Homelessness

Recently, community members have raised important questions about the resources available to individuals in Sanford experiencing homelessness, as well as the broader challenges they face. To help provide clarity, we spoke with City of Sanford Administration, Diane Small, Executive Director of the Sanford Housing Authority, and Vicki Martin, the City of Sanford’s General Assistance Director. With decades of experience supporting and advocating for individuals facing housing instability, they offer a valuable perspective to help foster a deeper understanding of the complex and evolving nature of housing needs in our community.

Homelessness is an issue that touches every city and town across the United States. Every community, regardless of size or location, has individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The City and our local service providers acknowledge these needs and are continuously working to develop new approaches and provide resources to support individuals and families facing housing instability.

From a broad perspective, what factors contribute most to homelessness?

There are many factors that contribute and the need to address housing instability is significant. In general, the primary contributing factors are the lack of affordable housing, mental health and substance use challenges, stagnant wages compared to rising rents, barriers to accessing stable employment or benefits and limited funds from state and federal government for support programs.

Can you talk more about the rising cost of living and how that is impacting new and existing populations of community members?

Since COVID, the cost of living has continued to rise, while wages have not kept pace. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for many individuals and families to remain housed. This has led to a growing number of households falling into the ALICE category (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed). This ALICE population, is made of community members who are working and earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford the basic cost of living. The expanding ALICE population has become a key area of focus for the Homeless Task Force and a driving force behind its shift towards prevention-based action.

Rising housing costs have also impacted the effectiveness of housing vouchers. While rent prices have continued to increase, funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support these vouchers has not, ultimately decreasing the number of people we can assist.

What are the benefits of having a Housing Authority and General Assistance?

General Assistance (GA) is not a nationwide resource. Maine is one of only a handful of states that maintains dedicated local GA Departments to support community members in need. They provide emergency aid to individuals and families struggling to meet their basic needs, including shelter, food, and other essential services. The GA program is designed specifically to support those in desperate need. The criteria to qualify for GA support are strict and designed for those who have very limited income.

The Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) is a local agency that provides affordable housing options and rental assistance to community members. Having a housing authority located within the City is a significant advantage. It allows the housing programs to be tailored specifically to the needs of Sanford and gives residents additional access to services and support.

SHA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a high performer, meaning it demonstrates strong performance in managing the Housing Choice Voucher Program (section 8). Many agencies do not reach this standard. This is important because a high rating helps SHA remain eligible for future and additional funding opportunities.

What work is being done to address homelessness and how are those currently unhoused in our community made aware of services?

Outreach happens in several ways. There are many agencies within Sanford and York County who work together on a day to day basis providing services. A key part to effective outreach, is the relationship that all of our agencies have together. We coordinate weekly to ensure real-time updates and referrals for service are continually happening. Area service providers are consistently out in the community, offering services, building relationships and fielding referrals for people in need of support.

In 2019 the City’s Homeless Task force was created with the goal of coordinating services and addressing homelessness through identifying needs and gaps in services. The group is comprised of City officials, City staff and local service providers who continue to meet regularly to address the changing needs of our unhoused community members.

In 2024, through the work of the City’s Homeless Task Force, a Housing Navigation Team was created. This group is comprised of direct care service providers (Sanford Housing Authority, City of Sanford General Assistance, York County Community Action, Caring Unlimited, York County Shelter Programs and Sanford School Department). The purpose was to streamline coordination of resources. Instead of someone in need reaching out to multiple agencies in search of help, they reach out to just one access point person, who then conducts a coordinated entry housing assessment to determine needs.

Coordinated Entry is a standardized system that ensures people experiencing housing instability can access the services they need in a fair, organized and efficient way. It is designed to prioritize resources for the most at-risk people. As housing units, vouchers or support programs become available, the system matches those most in need of services, ensuring equity and making certain that limited resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.

Coordinated Entry is not a waitlist, it’s a dynamic tool to connect people to the right kind of help, in the right order, at the right time. While resources remain limited, this system is critical to making sure no one falls through the cracks and that service providers work together to get people housed and supported.

What progress have you seen in the last year from this work and what else is coming?

We’ve seen significant progress in coordinating services, especially through the Homeless Task Force and biweekly Housing Navigation Team case conferencing. We’ve helped transition 130 people into permanent housing through just this group alone since February of 2024.

One promising development coming to Sanford is Sanford Housing Authority’s planned Home for Good Project, which will provide permanent housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Unlike traditional models, Home for Good does not require residents to address behavioral health issues or complete programs before moving in. Instead, it treats housing as the first step toward stability, giving residents a foundation to shift from daily survival to personal growth. Comprehensive support services, including mental health and substance use treatment, are made available to residents upon entry, ensuring immediate access to care and a stable foundation for recovery. When a resident enters recovery, the Home for Good program is positioned to serve as a stable platform that supports continued growth and healing. The project will have 24/7 staffing to ensure residents have consistent access to support and remain in recovery.

Sanford Housing Authority is also expanding partnerships with York County Government’s Recovery Center, currently being built on Layman’s Way in Alfred. This will be a 58-bed treatment center offering a continuum of services, from detox to housing. Both of these facilities will have a significant positive impact on our ability to offer resources in the area.

Some people wonder why folks don’t just accept shelter or services. Can you share your perspective on that?

Homelessness is a complex issue. In Sanford, as in many communities, a large portion of those who remain unhoused in our community are also living with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorder.

Current State laws and service models prioritize personal choice, meaning participation in services is voluntary. While support is regularly made available, the decision to accept it ultimately lies with the individual. This approach can present challenges, particularly when a person’s decision-making capacity is impacted by mental illness, substance use or trauma. These conditions can significantly affect brain function, making it more difficult for someone to recognize their needs or choose to engage with available support.

At this time, Maine does not have widespread mechanisms in place for involuntary treatment or intervention. Current laws leave the decision to engage in services largely in the hands of the individual, even when they are in dire need of support. This model creates a significant gap in care for those who are unable to recognize or seek the help they need on their own. It also limits the ability of service providers, the City and law enforcement to intervene. Many of the unhoused individuals in our community are consistently offered services but continue to decline them. Continued reliance on voluntary commitment to services is producing diminishing results and must be addressed to break a cycle of long-term unhoused individuals experiencing mental health issues and/or substance use disorder.

Are there legal or ethical limitations that prevent the City or service providers from forcing someone into housing or treatment?

Yes, in the United States, individuals have the right to refuse services unless there is a clear legal reason for intervention (such as danger to themselves or others). This can be frustrating for the public to understand, but ethical service delivery is grounded in personal choice and autonomy. We prioritize trust-building and voluntary engagement as the most sustainable path forward.

From a law enforcement perspective, are there policies that could help the public better understand why officers respond the way they do in certain situations? (Answered by Police Chief Eric Small)

There are a few state-wide policies that would be beneficial for the pubic to be aware of, when it comes to how our officers can respond in certain situations. The mentality of prioritizing support is also shared by the Maine Attorney General’s Office who in 2022 required all law enforcement agencies to adopt a homeless crisis protocol. The purpose of the Protocol by Law Enforcement is to provide a diversion program, a response other than traditional entry into the criminal justice system for a homeless person whose behavior is consistent with certain low-level violation of the law. The listed offenses included in the protocol are: criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct, public urination, possession of a scheduled drug, and public drinking. For more information about this, search for State Law Title, 17-A M.R.S. §18Homelessness crisis protocol. https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec18-1.html.

Maine lawmakers recently implemented policy changes that shifted penalties for small, personal use amounts of drugs to a civil violation and reclassified low-level possession of heroin and other drugs from a felony to a misdemeanor. Changes that were made to reflect an effort to address substance use disorder as a public health issue rather than solely through the criminal justice system.

In 2019, the Sanford Police Department created a Mental Health Unit (MHU). The MHU is a co-response team that pairs mental health professionals with officers dedicated to helping people experiencing mental health crisis.

By dedicating a specialized unit, the department has seen a reduction in repeated calls for service, minimizing strain on resources, but most importantly, connecting people with mental illness to community partners who can best address their needs, rather than repeated criminal referrals into the criminal justice system. This is known as diversion or alternatives to traditional prosecution for certain offenders. Through the MHU, Sanford Police Department Officers now have a greater awareness of community resources, allowing them to connect individuals to treatment, services and other support if they choose to accept help.

The Sanford Homeless Task Force is strengthening efforts in homeless prevention. Can you explain more about this?

While emergency response remains a critical part of our work and emphasis, we continue to consistently offer services to those in our community who are currently unhoused. Ultimately, the decision to engage with these services lies with the individual. There remain a number of individuals who have refused to engage in services. Our role is to ensure those services are accessible and that barriers, such as transportation, documentation, or eligibility requirements, are addressed and minimized.

We are now placing equal focus on prevention, keeping people housed before they become homeless. The Sanford Homeless Task Force is meeting to strengthen a prevention framework. The mission is to create a collaborative, data-driven and equity-centered system designed to prevent homelessness before it begins. The plan is to adapt the coordinated entry system currently used by Housing Navigation Team and apply it to coordination of resources for those at risk of becoming unhoused. To streamline access to services, Task Force members would connect individuals directly to the service providers who can best meet their needs.

Prevention services may include rental assistance, mediation between landlords and tenants, utility support, and addressing barriers to employment or healthcare that can lead to eviction. We also need strong support systems for children and reliable transportation to help people remain in or enter the workforce. Prevention work may be quieter, but it is one of the most impactful tools we have.

Who is considered most at risk?

At risk populations include low-income renters, especially those on fixed income (seniors, people with disabilities), single parents, survivors of domestic violence, and young adults aging out of the care systems.

We are particularly focused on the ALICE population (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed), who are working community members who earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford the basic cost of living. To learn more about the ALICE population visit, https://www.unitedway-york.org/meet-alice.

Effective communication is critical to reaching individuals at risk, especially those who may have never needed to engage with support services before. Building a wide network of community partners is essential to help raise awareness about available resources and assistance programs.

Building a network of community partners is a critical part of prevention work. These stakeholders, including first responders, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, family members, neighbors, and others, can help identify individuals who may be struggling to make ends meet. They play a key role in making referrals and sharing information about available resources, helping ensure support reaches those who may have never needed to engage with services before.

How can community members or businesses contribute in a meaningful way?

Real change can never be made by just a few entities, and we welcome community involvement. Businesses can help by hiring individuals in need or partnering on job training programs. Individuals can support pre-existing community outreach efforts by donating identified food, clothing, or hygiene items to local food pantries; in Sanford many of these are operated by faith-based groups or service agencies.

Residents can volunteer or donate funds to local service agencies. Never be afraid to contact a local support agency directly to ask about how you or your business can help. Although you may want to offer direct volunteer support, the most effective way to make a meaningful impact is by partnering with organizations that are already doing the work. They can help identify which types of donations or volunteer efforts are most needed, ensuring your support goes where it's needed most.

Advocate on the state and federal level for more affordable housing, gap housing funds and mental health and substance use disorder beds and services across the State. Funding for these programs is allocated by the State and Federal governments, and it’s important to engage with your local representatives. They are the ones voting on policies and funding decisions that directly impact the unhoused community.

One of the most important things you can do is challenge your own assumptions about the unhoused community. Many of those you see, are longtime residents of the Sanford community. Treat people experiencing homelessness with dignity and continue to call for solutions rooted in compassion, not punishment. At the end of day, remember that we are all just people with different lived experiences. Showing up with kindness and respect for all of our community members costs nothing, but goes a long way.

If you're looking for local organizations to connect with, you can start by visiting the City of Sanford’s Assistance Programs page at www.sanfordmaine.org/community/ap.php or explore the statewide resource database at 211maine.org.

The following update was shared with the City from the York County Shelter Programs Board of Directors. The City will continue to share updates provided by the York County Shelter Programs using this page.

Last week, York County Shelter Programs (YCSP) announced that due to significant and growing financial limitations, it laid off twenty (20) employees and was facing the likely need to suspend operations for at least some of the programs they provide for those facing home insecurity in York County.

On May 9, 2025, the YCSP Board of Directors moved to suspend operations of their emergency adult shelter on the Shaker Hill Campus in Alfred. Through the work of YCSP staff, in partnership with other service agencies, each of the thirty seven (37) clients has a plan in place for housing. While 11 clients were able to find housing through YCSP’s affordable housing program, some of the plans of others offer only temporary solutions, and clients have been provided with contact information for additional resources.

The Family Shelter will continue to operate until alternative housing is confirmed for all sixteen (16) current residents, or until another organization can take over operations.

The affordable housing program will continue. YCSP owns and manages 24 separate properties with 117 apartment units throughout York County. These apartments and the operations required to administer the housing program will remain. Maine Housing has provided the necessary technical assistance to ensure this program remains operational.

The food services program, including the community meals program which delivers homemade meals each week, and the Shaker Hill Campus food services and bakery has suspend operations effective Monday, May 12, 2025.

The food pantry, located at the former sheriff’s building in Alfred, will continue for now, thanks to the generous allocation of funding by the York County Commissioners. This program provides services to 6,000 York County residents each month.

Layman Way Recovery Center, a seventeen (17) bed treatment facility, will continue operations until June 30, 2025. This has been a long scheduled closing date in coordination with the building of a new recovery center that will be operated by the county. Layman Way continues to serve 9 clients, but will not be accepting new clients.

Books ReVisited, a gently used book store located in Sanford, which is operated by dedicated volunteers and whose proceeds are used to support clients of YCSP, will continue operations at this time.

YCSP will retain twenty three (23) staff to maintain the services that will remain, but roughly thirty (30), per diem, part-time and full-time staff have been laid off effective, May 9, 2025.

YCSP has been provided wise counsel and assistance from many, including but not limited to Maine Housing, the Office of the Governor, York County Community Action Corporation, Preble Street, Caring Unlimited, Seeds of Hope, Sanford Housing, Sanford City Manager, as well as members of the York County Task Force on Homelessness and the elected officials that represent the citizens of York County. The YCSP Board of Directors will continue to work diligently to determine the future of the organization and of the programs that serve York County. They remain committed to being a part of the ongoing effort to create a coordinated, sustainable and robust network of services that will provide the resources and programs needed by the vulnerable in our communities.

The City has continued to meet with York County Legislators on the urgent matter of funding to sustain the Adult Emergency Shelter Services of the York County Shelter Program and funding for Shelter operations Sitewide. Legislators for the last two conferences have been;

• Representative Anne-Marie Mastraccio – Sanford
• Representative Michelle Meyer – Eliot – Co-Chair Health and Human Services Committee
• Senator Ingwersen – Biddeford – Co-Chair Health and Human Services Committee

The Legislative Meeting have focused on further information from the November Forum held at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, increasing the understanding of emergency shelter operations and how State funding is connected to operations. The outcome is to support future legislative actions to ensure continue operations of the Emergency Shelter Operations.

The second meeting on 1/6/25 focused on a presentation by Molly Feeney, Executive Director of Home Worthy in Knox County, and Chair of the Statewide Shelter Coalition. Ms. Feeney was able to explain how the various Federal and State allocations for Shelters in Maine are awarded and the resulting revenue of $7.50 per bed-night is the result for emergency shelter operations. Ms. Feeney further provided information on the average cost to provide these Shelter Services is $99.07 per bed-night.

Of the $7.3 million of funds allocated to Maine Shelters, the sources are;

• State General Fund (Unchanged since 2016): $2.5M
• Federal ESG (Minimal to no change historically) $1.3M
• HOME: MSHA (Increased by $1.1 M since 2020): $3.5M
• Total Funding to Shelters across Maine: $7.3 M

Shelter Coalition is seeking Legislative Sponsors for a Bill to increase the State General Fund by $5.0 M to $7.5 M. This would change the bed-night contribution from $7.50/night to $19/night. The Coalition believes this would keep the Shelters operating in the short term until the State can further increase funding in the subsequent year.

Legislators recommended that the Bill be submitted as Open Jacket so that a large contingency of Legislators could sign on as co-sponsors. They believe Speaker Fecteau and the York Delegation would all support as would a vast number of Legislators Statewide.

The Homeless Task Force on 1/6/2025 reviewed the number of persons still believed to be unhoused, the vast majority as surfing or seeking temporary shelter services and have refused further assistance. It was discussed that the Service Providers under the Region 1 HUB should be the primary points of contact for these people that have long term unhoused situations that re the result of their refusal of services. The HUB coordinated Agencies should focus on the outreach for this population.

The Task Force then discuss a revised focus based upon needs and where the population of people most at risk of becoming unhoused are. This shift in focus would more towards;

• Addressing the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed) population that have incomes below the ALICE thresholds to prevent homelessness.
• Strengthening the Transitional Elements of Housing Navigation and Coordinated Case Entry and Management
• Addressing Funds for Re-Adaptive Housing Opportunities such as the work of the Sanford Land Bank
• Increase the development of a continuum of Housing Opportunities

The Task Force may now focus it’s work on Ending the Homelessness Before it Starts, a framework developed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. This is a direct correlation to the 19 Strategies to Address Encampments earlier developed and implemented by the Task Force. Having addressed a large number of unhoused, the refocused work will move towards prevention and placement to prevent the type and number of unhoused from ever accumulating again.

The Sanford Housing Authority is the lead in developing the Strategies and is entering into the data phase. The Task Force will seek to coordinate across multiple providers/agencies and to amplify the efforts through creative financing and advocacy.

The Task Force meets again on January 20th, 2025.

Recent Statistics:

Here are the most up to date stats we have on housing navigation (11 months):

• Housed 30 Households for a total of 66 people
• Of that number 16 Households are from YCSP
• 34 households have either found alternative housing
  • Assisted living
  • Living with family
  • Moved
• Or they had a voucher that expired or they did not get paperwork in on time after up to 180 extension days
• Currently working with 27 households and within a few weeks of housing a family at East Side Acres
• Please note this doesn’t include the people were housed, went to detox and treatment, or went into the shelter, right from the Encampment; that was an additional 78 people.

The Homeless Task Force met again on August 19, 2024 and worked in the following areas:

Community Outreach Worker/s: Maine State Housing released a Notice of Financial Availability (NOFA) on August 16, 2024 under the Long-Term Solutions to Address Homelessness as authorized by the Legislature. York County Shelter Program will be the Applicant to MSHA for the competitive funds. An Application was also made to the Cohen Foundation and the Shelter has received a Letter inviting them to apply for the $50,000 of funding for vehicle and equipment for the Outreach Worker position. Letters of Support will be requested from the partnering Agencies and the City.

Warming Center Funds: A Notice of Financial Availability (NOFA) was also posted on July 19th, deadline August 23rd, for competitive funding applications for Warming Center operations for this coming winter. The York County Shelter Program is applying for the funds to operate either in a yet determined commercial location or more plausibly within their existing facilities in Alfred. The second option will provide for meals, case management, showers and laundry. It is the case management as critical to shorten the length of time of being unhoused critical to permanent housing.

19 Strategies: The Sanford Housing Authority hosted a meeting with Nichele Carver Senior Regional Advisor for the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). Ms. Carver was most engaged in the regional approach and cooperative work of the varying Agencies and City Staff that had compiled and implemented the 19 Strategies to address encampments and the unhoused. The Director will be providing access to resources such as Federal Continuum of Care Funds (COC) that may assist the Shelter in closing the funding gap of operations. There may also be available Federal Funds towards the Outreach Worker/s as well. The last indication was that the USICH is doing further work on prevention and will provide further guidance and assistance in this area in the near future. By all accounts, it was a very productive meeting especially in potential access for much needed Federal Assistance.

Housing First: The Site Plan development and Property purchases remain on track. Land purchase should be completed by early September as well as a proposed land swap that will better facilitate the placement of the Project Building and associated infrastructure. This will aid to access of loan funds as well as potential Brownfield related funds for infrastructure construction. The 30 proposed units would provide non-barrier managed housing options to chronically unhoused persons who would have difficulties transitioning into a permanent housing solution absent this managed transitional option.

Housing Assistance and Prevention was reviewed. Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) will make $18 million available as a Pilot Rent Relief Program. MSHA has just released an Request for Proposals to the Community Action Corporations and others for a single point administrator for the Program statewide. The Program and implementation will be monitored so notice on who can and how to apply in the near future.

The Program has been amended from a 24-month to a 12-month Program for people at or below 60% Area Medium Income and have rent within 125% of Area Market Rate. Qualified candidates would be eligible for up to $800/mo assistance. Priorities will be given to rents in arears to prevent evictions and then upon gap funding on monthly rent.

Legislative Actions and Public Education – Advocacy:

There are two major Forums being planned that will address public awareness and education of Housing and Homelessness and what can be and is being done. The first is the City’s now annual Housing Forum.

The Annual Housing Forum is being planned for September 24th, 2024 at 6:00PM in the City Council Chambers. This will provide for a hybrid and multi-cast of the Forum reaching as wide an audience as possible. The public will be invited to attend and participate. Elements under development for the Forum will be as much on education as it will be on reporting out the year’s actions. Areas under consideration are;

• Market Analysis and the information recently received on existing housing stock, opportunities to meet the needs in varying housing stock, rents and trends, housing demographics, and future actions to address these areas.
• Relating the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report and how the inability for working families to meet the high cost of housing is impacting our Region and identifying the focal points to address.
• Our Schools and Student Housing Instability – numbers and trends
• Has LD 2003 (statewide housing density ordinances) made headways on addressing Housings
• Prevent avenues such as Rent Relief Programs, heating and utilities assistance, financial guidance
• Senior Programs to aging in place and other avenues

A Second Forum, after implementing the first last year, will be the Homeless Forum to be held at the Sanford Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on November 13th, 2024 time to be determined. The York County Legislative Group will be activated again this year as town and agency administrators met to establish and set the top priorities around our unhoused populations. The goal is to hold the Forum just after the November 5th, 2024 elections when our State Representatives will then be known and to communicate these top priorities prior to the start of the next Legislative Session and before the cloture date for any newly proposed legislation, even if a concept draft. This is a very tight time frame to meet.

This year’s Forum will focus on the determined top priorities, information of what worked well, or not, over the past year, and the impacts of passed legislation from the last session. Much is anticipated to pivot on the annual needs for critical services being funded ongoing and not just one-time funding. Critical areas such as Shelter Funding, Street Outreach Workers, bed capacities for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health, and Private Non-Medical Institution beds are all key components to addressing the chronically unhoused populations.

More information on the priorities as identified by the Legislative Working Group will be made available as developed.

The need for a Community Outreach Worker is identified as one of the top priorities needed to assist in making regular contact and with and connecting unhoused people to resources to end their homelessness. The city has communicated the importance and priority to Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) that will open a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) starting August 16, 2024 and closing on September 30, 2024. Funding under the Long-Term Solutions to Address Homelessness was allocated to MSHA in the last legislative session. The York County Shelter Program will be the Applicant as they have been working on this strategy and recently was awarded funds from the John T. Gorham Foundation to a vehicle and equipment for the position. This Community match will make for a very competitive Application as will the Region’s and City’s prior communications with MSHA for this position. The City and Regional Providers will write letters of support for the Application as a regional effort focused in Sanford.

A second NOFA was issued by MSHA for the 2024-2025 Warming Center Funding that opened July 19 through August 23, 2024. Again, the York County Shelter Program will be the applicant and operator of the Center. Consensus was to support the Application for the establishment of a Warming Center at the Alfred Campus to best serve in sharing of staff, full food services, full facilities, and coordinated case management once upon Campus. Transportation to the Facility will be accommodated by the Police, future Outreach Worker, and York County Transportation on an as needed and scheduled basis. No appropriate location or facility was identified within Sanford to again host a Warming Center.

Further discussion centered on standing up the Memorial Gym for extreme cold weather events as in the past with more pre-planning and especially around staffing during operations.

The 19 Strategies to Address Encampments was again reviewed. Nichele Carver Senior Regional Advisor for the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) will be meeting with the Task Force at the Sanford Housing Authority on August 12, 2024. The USICH notes that Sanford’s adoption and implementation using a wider regional approach is unique and the Agency seeks to better understand our work. The Task Force also seeks continued guidance on Phase 3 Building Long-Term Stability as it relates to the Prevention of Homelessness. We seek any further guidance and best practices that may be offered to assist our address.

Also on August 12, 2024 City Representatives will meet with the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Maine Access Points around the current Harm Reduction Program or Syringe Exchange Program. The scope of the meeting is to identify a common solution for the CDC’s desire to address Harm Reduction associated with blood born pathogens stemming from injections by providing clean syringes and supplies and the City’s concerns around the Increased Harm and exposure associated with improperly disposed/discarded syringes to the general public. If a common solution can be identified, the City Staff will seek for legislative address and to advocate for a solution that meets harm reduction in both areas. Otherwise, City Staff will advocate for the program to return to a 1:1 syringe exchange program as originally authorized.

Review of current Census indicated that the City and Sanford Housing Authority are tracking 44 People currently known to be chronically unhoused. It was noted that there has been an influx of new people since the closure of the encampment in Biddeford as well as people arriving seeking to be near a Warming Center, if or when established. A review of the Census indicated that each of the individuals have been and continue to be offered services nearly daily. All have refused. It was further identified that the overwhelming majority of these 44 people are either experiencing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or unaddressed mental health conditions, or a combination. Recognition was granted to the varying reasons of people becoming homeless and the success of addressing these elements over time with the remaining SUD and Mental Health cases being the most difficult to address in both resources as well as acceptance of services by the individuals. This needs to be a focus at the State Advocacy level in the future as well as the general public being aware of this compounding nature and escalation.

The Task Force and Sanford Mental Health Unit, and our Regional Partners, have exhausted all means of Diversion Programming seeking to get treatment to individuals where they are at and when they are receptive. Enforcement is the next means to connect Diversion Programming for these individuals as personal responsibility and decisions to improve their situations are not being exercised. This is a difficult juncture for many people who have not been entrenched in the provision and offering of services only to be rejected by this remaining population. Public awareness is a key component to advocating for more funding and capacities for SUD and Mental Health Beds statewide to close this gap for this unhoused population.

Resource Hub/Outreach June 2024 and ongoing

A review of the 30 Housing First Units to be built by the Sanford Housing Authority off Heritage Drive as made. The Architects are working on amendments to the Site Plan to maximize the use of the two lots to be purchased. The amendments will address environmental constraints as well as zoning in relations to the placement of the building and associated access and parking. An Application is pending for this fall to Maine State Housing Authority to construct the Units. The Housing First model will provide No-Barrier Housing to those who need 24/7 case management to transition back to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. York County Community Action Corp. will provide the case management to be funded through Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Housing Assistance and Prevention was reviewed. Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) will make $18 million available as a Pilot Rent Relief Program. The details are starting to emerge as MSHA works to identify a single vendor that will administer the statewide award and distribution of funds The Program has been amended from a 24-month to a 12-month Program for people at or below 60% Area Medium Income and have rent within 125% of Area Market Rate. Qualified candidates would be eligible for up to $800/mo assistance. Priorities will be given to rents in arears to prevent evictions and then upon gap financing. City and YCCAC will coordinate to inform the public as the program is more fully developed and publicized by MSHA.

Legislative Actions and Advocacy was also again reviewed. Top priorities for the next Legislative Session will be;

• Support for Outreach Workers such as will be applied for this year through MSHA
• Full Funding for current Low and No Barrier Shelter to ensure continuation
• Funding for Substance Use Disorder Beds – payment for services
• Funding for Mental Health Beds – payment for services
• Amendments to Attorney General’s Homeless Protocols for State

The Task Force will seek to host another Regional Homelessness Summit at the Sanford Performing Arts Center as was conducted last year. This year’s Summit will be held as immediately following the November Elections as possible to inform the incoming Legislators and to allow for legislation or at least concept drafts, placeholders, to be filed prior to the December cloture date, to be determined.

The Task for will meet next on August 19th 2024 at 10:00AM.

Heritage Crossing Encampment Closure:

The Resource Hub provided housing for 20 individuals since enacted and in conjunction with the closure. Daily contact with persons unhoused are made by Housing Staff, Case Managers, and the Mental Health Unit Officers via the Bike Patrol. Resources are offered and encouragement to accept to break the cycle of homelessness.

The Cleanup has been completed.

Public Works Clean Up: June 17, 18, 19 2024

Public Works removed by mechanical means 9-18 cu. yd. trucks totaling 170 cubic yards of trash, waste, and assorted materials associated with the Encampment.

Three (3) 20-gallon medical sharp containers full were removed as well as several 5-gallon buckets partially filled with medical sharps.

Contracted Services by Trauma Services: July 8, 9,10 2024

Handpicked materials remaining from underbrush, around trees, and scattered as trained personnel with personal protective equipment to bag the hazardous materials due to the presence of medical sharps and other contaminates. Contractors bagged 475 60-gallon bags of materials from the Site.

Six (6) 8-gallon containers of medical sharps were physically collected scattered across the ground and intermixed with the waste for a total of 48 gallons of sharps. Public Works further removed 2 18- cu. yd. trucks of steel and other materials during the Contracted Service Period.

Total Collections:

• 206 cubic yards collected mechanically
• 141 cubic yards collected manually by contracted services
  • 347 cubic yards total waste collected and disposed
• Approximately 110 gallons of medical sharps collected separately from solid waste collections
• Estimated Volume of Medical Sharps (syringes)
  • 172.66 cubic inches per box of 100 syringes
  • 110 gal x 231 cubic inches/gal = 25,410 cubic inches
  • 25,410 cubic inches/172.66 cubic inches/100 syringes = 14,716 syringes

Contacts have been made to Maine Access Points and the Maine CDC Hepatitis & Harm Reduction Program Manager to discuss new options on exchange and the improper disposal of syringes causing a public health hazard.

The areas where unhoused people are congregating was reviewed and how best to maintain communications and outreach as well as the impacts to the areas.

Information indicates there are approximately 15 chronically unhoused people that the City is currently working with to identify options that will be accepted.

Connection to Services: Street Outreach

The need for Street Outreach Services continues to be a challenge and area of significant need. Communications to Maine State Housing for potential use of the recently adopted Emergency Housing Relief Funds could be an option. Lauren Bustard, Senior Director of Homeless Initiatives at MSH, indicated that a Notice of Funding Announcement (NOFA) will be published on August 16, 2024 with a deadline of September 30th to apply. York County Shelter Program is the best agency for this application as will be supported by the Task Force. It was also made know that a second NOFA for Winter Warming Shelter Funding will be release July 19, 2024 with a deadline of August 23rd to apply. Options with the York County Shelter Program are still under consideration, but not at the Lafayette School location. Others are being sought.

Housing First – Heritage Crossing Location:

The Sanford Housing Authority and Consultants presented a Pre-Application to the City on July 9, 2024. The Pre-App went very well on the 30-Unit development. The Consultant is working diligently to have submissions for the August Site Plan Meeting and a near subsequent Planning Board Meeting for a Permit.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) through Maine Housing will open in September. The Project should be permitted by that time for a very competitive application for a first round of funding.

An RFP for Architects should produce a selection by the July 26. This should pub the Project on track for a spring 2026 ground breaking.

The future release of funds through Maine Housing for rent support of $800/mo. for up to 24 months was reviewed. MSH is working to how they will implement the use of the $18 million in allocation and who will administer/distribute said funds. The Task Force will utilize to aid in preventing homelessness due to economics as details are released. The funds, is used at the full $800/mo. x 24 months would serve not more than 937 households.

Other Resources:

The York County expansion of Lyman’s Way in Alfred for substance use and detox center expansion has achieved full permitting. It is slated to go to construction by October of this year with an approximate 1-year construction period.

York County Region 1 HUB for the coordination of case management continues to implement for all providers to utilize the same form information within the HMIS system for the unhoused.

19 Strategies:

Sanford Housing Director is conferencing with the U.S. Interagency on Homelessness to review our Region’s work on the 19 Strategies and to seek further guidance on best practices following the closure of the encampment as well as preventing homelessness moving forward. The response will be incorporated into the Strategies and an Update will be provided as worked by the Task Force.

Annual Housing Forum:

The Task Force discussed suggested change to this year’s annual forum on Housing as being briefer on updates of actions taken to allow time to focus on the voids and future needs. This will better inform advocacy and legislation across State and Federal Resources to address the continuum of housing needs in Sanford. This format will be request to the City Council.

It was further suggested that the Housing Forum also provide a precursor to another Homeless Forum at the Performing Arts Center in Sanford with the York County State Legislators.

The Task Force met and reviewed or acted in the following areas;

Heritage Crossing Encampment Closure:

A debrief on the closure was undertaken. It was noted that the 19 Strategies worked well as the foundation and for the implementation. Police continue to monitor the area still slated for final cleaning starting July 8, 2024. No Trespassing signs continue to be taken and destroyed as are the barricades. Police had to again search the International Woolen Mill as barriers to entry had been broken and compromised. Public Works again secured the Building.

*It was noted that another large encampment of private property was no longer in use but the property owner has not yet removed debris from the location.

Resource Hub:

Statistics from the last two weeks of operations of the Resource Hub are summarized as;

Participating Organizations:

• York County Shelter Programs
• General Assistance
• York County Community Action Corp.
• Nasson Health Center
• Sanford Housing Authority
• PATH
• OPTIONS

Summary:

• Total Unique Individuals: 71
• Total Visits: 96
• Shelter Services Update (6/21/24):
  • 9 individuals to York County Shelter Services
  • Continued work with 1 client on detox services
• Housing Outcomes:
  • 1 individual to permanent housing during resource hub; 2 housed permanently since hub; working on 3 more permanent housing options
  • 9 housed at SHA proper􀀀es through Navigator case conferencing since Feb 2024
  • 5 housed through SHA targeted homeless vouchers

19 Strategies for Homeless Encampments:

The Strategies are being updated as now being complete with the remaining need to address Homelessness before it starts, i.e. prevention. The 19 Strategies, our regional work, was forwarded to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homeless for review. The Interagency Council would like to review with us at a future time as an outstanding example of the work.

Indications are that the Interagency Council is also working on a New set of Actions as Best Practices for post closure of encampments and Strategy 19 Building and Strengthening Safety Nets. It is the Task Force’s intent to continue to work with the Interagency on the development and adoption of the future Actions.

Housing First Updates:

Land Acquisition for the combined parcels off Heritage Drive continues in due diligence. Pre-Application is being scheduled for early July starting the first review of the planned development. Maine State Housing is pending the Request for Proposals to be issued soon for the application of funds. Given that the Project, Housing First, has the land control, developer, operator, and other required elements, the Sanford Housing Authority is likely to be the first of two potential requests for development as early as September of this year.

Next Steps:

The York County Shelter Program continues to work to expand available beds and temporary shelter operations. It is unknown if funding and or a location for a Warming Center will become available for the next winter season.

Given the success with the Resource Hub, it was noted that to continue the momentum Outreach Workers are needed to meet people where they are at and at a time when they are willing to consider services. The City Manager will renew the dialog with the Governor’s Office of Innovation and Maine State Housing to dedicated funding towards Outreach Staff. The last legislative session set forth such funding and we will seek the same.

*A possible funding source to leverage MSH funds in this effort has been located that would aid in necessary equipment.

Legislative Actions and Advocacy:

The coordination of next legislative requests for funding and or changes in law that would aid addressing either homelessness once incurred and also preventing homelessness was discussed. Areas of potential and coordination were identified as;

1. Funding for Shelter Beds, not just Low Barrier Beds, need to be better coordinated across the current Shelters and the Maine Coalition of Homelessness to advocate for multi-year needed funding.
2. Community Outreach Worker funding of positions here within York County to best connect to current and future resources for the unhoused.
3. Coordinate Advocacy again with York County Legislators and communicate the deficiencies noted in past actions compared to current needs.
4. Seek clarifications in the State Attorney General’s Office Homeless Protocols in light of the recent Grants Pass v. Johnson SCOTUS Decision as it applies to laws passed by elected officials to address public interest but not based upon status.
5. Coordinate a common message in future legislative actions across the Maine Municipal Legislative Policy Committee, Maine Mayors Coalition, Maine Homeless Coalition, Shelters, and other applicable Agencies and Towns towards concerted actions to address Homelessness.

The Task Force will reconvene in two weeks on July 15th, 2024.

The following Report focuses on actions taken around addressing the Heritage Crossing Encampment and all unhoused people within Sanford. The Heritage Crossing Encampment has been a focal point for well over a year. The Community Partners have coordinated under the 19 Strategies to Address Encampments Humanely and Effectively as established by the United States Interagency council on Homelessness. The City and Partners were able reach the capacity to implement in May of this year. The City Council adopted the 19 Strategies as Policy to address Homelessness, especially encampments. The Encampment was located on property formerly owned by Regco, Inc., a legacy of the past mill industries, leaving behind land and buildings in disarray that have been determined by the City Council to be Dangerous and Hazardous, and has had court actions taken upon said owner to abate; although all such actions have been unanswered. The Site is a Brownfield Site in need of remediation. Maine Department of Environmental Protection has inspected and notes the pollution needing to be addressed. The Encampment grew in numbers and disarray over the past two years in which the Regco Inc., refused all communications form the City and would not grant permission to enter or address. Those inactions resulted in an Encampment of deplorable and unsafe conditions not fit for human occupation. Last fall, people within the Encampment were directed to the Warming Center operated at the Lafayette School by the York County Shelter Program. People were served throughout the winter until the Center closed on May 1, 2024. Just at closure, 25 of the 42 served took services did not return to the Encampment. Others refused services and did return to the Encampment, which was recognized as a dangerous and hazardous site, an unfit location for human habitation, and a public and safety site of concern. Notification was consistently made at the Warming Center that the Encampment would be subject to a future enclosure due to these conditions, especially prior to the closure of the Warming Center. The Property of the Encampment became Tax Acquired on April 4, 2024. Notice continued to be provided by the resource workers and Police Officers making regular contacts and offering resources and services. On May 20, 2024 the Police Department’s Mental Health Unit Officers began a daily bike patrol to increase contact and awareness with those in the Encampment. Notice of the pending closure for June 17th due to public health and safety were made daily as well as the offer of resources and services. People began to transition out of the Encampment.

On June 17th, the City approached the Encampment to start the removal of trash, debris, and bulky materials as a first step towards the closure.

Summary: Police, Fire, and Public Works crews arrived at 7:00AM to start clearing trash and bulky waste items as possible. Public Works provided two loaders, two skid steers, mini-excavator, and two 18-yd dump trucks. Heritage Crossing was closed and secured due to the construction equipment. The Mental Health Officers accompanied City Staff to walk through the Encampment for assessment and planning. MHU and City Manager talk with and noted 10 individuals left in the Encampment as of June 17th, all well known to the MHU as regular contacts had been ongoing with a refusal of services. Each individual was engaged for a plan provided the Resource Guide, directed to the Resource Hub, and to plan to clear from the Encampment. A veteran in an RV received a voucher and is moving to housing. Four individuals called for and received pick up of belongings and rides to private property. One person was transported to a private property with all belongings. Four individuals utilized the secure storage for items at the Police Department for later access as needed. Only 2 refused all services and left. The Property was left secured by the road closure as Public Works returned on June 18th to continue removal of bulky waste items that could be removed mechanically. At this juncture, the City will engage Trauma Services, a biohazard Remediation Company, to utilized trained and equipment employees to complete the bagging of biohazard materials, hazardous materials and containers, human waste, and other small solid waste materials. Public Works will continue to load, haul, and appropriate dispose of the solid waste and bulky materials with Trauma Services disposing of the biohazard and hazardous materials.

Removal of Waste: Public Works loaded 9, 18-yd trucks rounded for an estimate of over 170 cubic yards. Sixty-five propane tanks were also removed. There were three 20-gallon medical sharps containers full of needles as well as multiple 5-gallon buckets of medical sharps as well. This does not account for the mass remaining on the grounds within the encampment.

Resource Hub: The Service Providers of;

• City General Assistances
• Sanford Housing Authority
• York County Community Action Corporation
• Region 1 Homeless Hub

Resource Hub has been put into action over the past two years. The Resource Hub was operational staring June 10, Monday – Friday from 10AM to 3PM and this week 1-3PM. People were served as follows;

• Total of 78 Visits
• 51 unique people come to the hub as of 6/17/24
• 6 people entered into York County Shelter program
• 1 person went to Milestone
• 1 Veteran to permanent housing
• 9 people (unhoused) placed in permanent housing with Sanford Housing Properties before the HUB through case conferencing of the navigators from February to today
• 5 people placed into housing with Sanford Housing Authority using vouchers reserved for homeless individuals
• 22 People housed pursuant to these recent actions

The Homeless Task Force will meet with all Community Partners again on July 1st to continue actions addressing Homelessness in Sanford and the Region. Recognition: The City owes recognition to all the Community Partners

• YCCAC: York County Community Acton Corporation.
• YCSP: York County Shelter Programs
• SHA: Sanford Housing Authority
• MHU: Mental Health Unit of the Sanford Police Department
• CE: Coordinated Entry
• GOPIF: Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
• PATH: Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness
• OPTIONS: Overdose Prevention through Intensive Outreach Naloxone and Safety
• MAP: Maine Access Points – harm reduction programming
• SPD: Sanford Police Department
• HMIS: Homeless Management Information System
• SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• WIC: Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program
• ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed City of Sanford General Assistance Program

The Task Force met again on June 3, 2024 focused on latest actions and the growing concerns around encampments and the ability to address. Providing Partners of York County Community Action, Sanford Housing Authority, York County Shelter Program, and City Administration coordinated across the following areas:

The Warming Center at Lafayette School has closed for the season yet continues to provide meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was noted that utilization is anticipated to increase now that the facility is not both a warming center and meals, but now meals only.

The Draft of the City’s 19 Strategies for Communities to Address Encampments Humanely and Effectively per the U.S. Interagency on Homelessness was reviewed. The Partners noted that nearly all Strategies had either been completed, were significantly in progress, or were soon to be implemented due to the coordination across the Partners seeking to address the unhoused in the encampments. The 19 Strategies will be before the City Council on June 4, 2024 to be adopted with or without amendments to govern the address of encampments in Sanford.

Heritage Crossing Encampment was noted to have been growing in numbers with people coming from undisclosed areas as the Case Managers no longer recognize this new population. Communications for services continue as well as that the encampment will be closing as of June 15, 2024 due to the environmental, health and safety concerns current expressed.

A Resource Hub will be placed at the Heritage Crossing Site on or before June 11 through June 14, 2024 to provide the greatest opportunity for Case Management and opening to services as needed by those at the Site. The Resource Hub has served well in the past and is therefore being repeated. The Resource Hub will have Staff for Coordinated Case Management, Housing Navigation, Shelter Program, and Nasson Health Care to offer and coordinate services to meet individuals needs. Currently, there is capacity to meet the anticipated needs for rehabilitative and shelter services provided individuals will accept the offer of services.

People taking services will be provided resource containers for their personal paper work as well as a Storage Container is to be rented for larger personal belongings as may be needed.

City has been working with the State to request funding for a Street Outreach Worker to aid in maintaining contacts with the unhoused and to best coordinate the taking of services to reduce the length of time of being unhoused.

City is obtaining quotes for storage container and clean up services post closure.

Other notes; Maine DEP Water Quality Resources and Solid Waste have received complaints about the encampment adjacent to the Mousam River off Heritage Crossing and have put the City on notice that they will be onsite June 12th to access the Site and likely provide notice to correct.

The Police Department has also received communications from another Land Owner of an encampment that is to be closed. All the same services are to be offered to individuals within that encampment as well. The time for closure is to be determined.

The City continues to work with the Regional Service Providers to address the unhoused population. Currently capacity of services for alcohol, substance use disorder, mental health, and shelter services are identified and coordinated to address individual needs. Willingness to accept services continues to be an impediment.

The Administrative Group met again on Monday, May 20, 2024 to continue coordinated response around unhoused people in Sanford and within the Region.

Representation:

• Sanford Police Department
• Sanford Housing Authority
• York County Shelter Program
• York County community Action
• City Administration

Work was focused on the seasonal change of unhoused since the closure of the Warming Center at Lafayette and the reoccurring pattern that occurs given spring/summer weather conditions. It was noted that more people are now visible and moving outside into encampments.

The Sanford Police Department started on May 20 a two-officer bike and pedestrian patrol focused on the Downtown, Parks, and other Properties to interact with people identifying as unhoused. Sargent Adams of the MHU will oversee. The purpose is to continue the work of the Mental Health Unit by providing a regular trusted connection from the Officers extending information about resources and building trust to connect to the resources. The Officers will function as Street Outreach Officers, in the absence thereof, and connect to the Coordinated Entry and Case Management.

The Heritage Crossing Encampment has started to expand in size and number of unhoused. Coordinated Entry, Case Management, and Housing Navigation have all been extended to the individuals currently occupying this unhealthy and unsafe environment. Placements have been limited to those individuals who are willing to take services to date. As the City will address the Encampment by June 15th, 2024, people have been put on Notice of the impending closure.

The partnering Service Providers and City recognized the need to document the standards under which the future actions at the Encampment will be based. Recognition was granted that the Partners are adhering to the Federally established Standards; 19 Strategies for Communities to Address Encampments Humanely and Effectively, published by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

The Director of the Sanford Housing Authority documented all of the pre-existing actions taken to date with but two exceptions remaining to address. Within the next two weeks the Action Plan meeting the compliance with this Federal Standard will be ready to adopt and complete its implementation. The City Council should consider review and adoption of the Action Plan for the June 4th, 2024 meeting.

It was noted the concerted coordination now taking place around Coordinated Entry and Case Management, Housing Navigation across multiple Agencies, Food Services, Apartment Resources, and Shelter Services. This coordination is producing significant results, saving time and resources, and makes the best uses of existing resources as encompassed by the partnering Service Providers and City.

The City Manager engaged in a forum with representatives from Maine State Housing, Dan Brennan Director, and Greg Payne of the Office of Innovation. The Group conferences around the new areas of funding awarded to the Maine Sate Housing (MSH) and how it might best address Sanford unhoused population’s needs. Funds for the current Shelter System is a must but was not awarded by the Legislature necessitating creative means to cover the $1.0 million shortfall as current. Funding for Street Outreach Workers to best aid in the connectivity for Case Management and Housing Navigation is also essential. This would take the pressure off the MHU and other Police Officers functioning as the primary point of connection and intermediaries.

The City is further working for a Cooperative Agreement with the York County Shelter Program for Emergency Shelter Space that would qualify under General Assistance as a reduced cost to current yet provide the necessary ancillary service of meals and Case Management. That Agreement will be forth coming for Council consideration.