Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : SANFORD, Maine — The number of homeless individuals in Sanford has skyrocketed in the past year, with the current count exceeding 200, according to Sgt. Colleen Adams, head of the Sanford Police Department’s Mental Health Unit. The unit, formed in 2021, is dedicated to providing aid and resources to those experiencing homelessness, as well as individuals grappling with substance use disorder or mental health crises.
Adams highlighted the diverse range of people affected by homelessness, including elderly individuals, those with severe medical issues, children, and working individuals who cannot afford housing. The unit consists of Adams, Shannon Bentley as the mental health first responder, and Lacey Bailey as the overdose-prevention clinician. Another police officer is expected to join the unit in January.
The increase in homelessness can be attributed to various factors. The end of federal funding for temporary shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic led to many individuals leaving hotels with no available housing. Additionally, evictions have been on the rise, and the high cost of monthly rent, coupled with the required down payment, has made it difficult for people with limited financial means to secure new homes.
According to the unit’s research, the fair market value of a single-bedroom apartment in Sanford, including utilities, is $1,136 per month. However, there are no offerings within that price range on platforms like Zillow and Craigslist. The availability of beds at the York County Shelter Programs in Alfred is also limited, with only 36 shelter beds for the entire county.
The closure of the peer center on Washington Street, which relocated to Biddeford, has further exacerbated the issue. Homeless individuals have been gathering in Central Park, as they have no place to spend their days.
To address the growing problem, Sanford recently opened a warming center at the former Lafayette School on Brook Street. While it does not provide beds, it offers a place for individuals to seek refuge from the cold. The center can currently accommodate more than 20 people at a time, but the capacity may increase with additional funding.
A summit on homelessness is scheduled for December 11, which will bring together state legislators, county government members, and municipal officials from Sanford and surrounding communities. Adams emphasized that homelessness is not just a Sanford problem but a countywide issue.
The unhoused individuals want to be regarded as members of the community, and they face stigma and judgment. Bentley highlighted a United Way survey that revealed nearly 50% of people in the area are just one step away from homelessness. She emphasized the need for more low-barrier shelters and the implementation of Housing First models, which prioritize providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness.
In addition to these measures, Adams and Bentley stressed the importance of increased funding for the state’s mental health system and attracting more providers. They also called for higher reimbursement rates from insurance companies to encourage providers to treat more people.
In the meantime, community support remains crucial. Residents can donate goods to the Sanford Food Pantry and provide gift cards and clothing to the Sanford Police Department’s Mental Health Unit. More businesses and organizations are encouraged to follow the lead of Frannie’s Donuts and the Sanford Housing Authority by offering free meals to those in need.