Last week came the news that Tedford Housing, the organization looking to build a newer, larger shelter in Brunswick had abandoned its plans for now. The reasons for the decision are plentiful. The property off of Pleasant Hill Road had faced immediate opposition due to the location and lack of resources in the area. Additionally, neighbors of the proposed location questioned if it was the best location. The final blow came when it was discovered that the new zoning ordinances failed to account for a shelter like structure.

When I attended an informational meeting in April, put on by Tedford Housing, they detailed some of the plans already in place. They had a strong fundraising goal and were working diligently to make the property suitable for a shelter. Despite the plans, the presenters acknowledged that a property nearer to the center of town would have been preferable. It had been desired. Unfortunately, there were no properties in that area that would have been feasible, financially.

Looking at a map of properties in town shows just what sort of dilemma Tedford faced. There are just not many affordable lots of the needed size in town. Where lots are available they are just too expensive.

Just like Bonnie Tyler, the shelter seems to be holding out for a hero. If only there was a hero that had land that could be available to build a shelter? One in town. One not used. One in an area that is accustomed to multiple people being housed in close proximity.

Looking around on the town’s interactive property map there are plots of land here and there but if you look closely there is a wooded plot, maybe 20 acres of land or so in the middle of town. It is near the downtown but secluded enough where families and children could live and enjoy all that Brunswick has to offer.

This parcel is bordered by land owned by the state of Maine, Bath Road and the majestic buildings of Federal Street. Nestled in the woods is map U35-C. It is the land known, to some in town, as the Bowdoin Pines.

Tedford was looking for a parcel that was less than two acres. Think of what Tedford Housing could do, once the zoning issues are overcome, with two or more acres near the corner of Bath Road and Federal Street. Easy access to services, to employment opportunities, to a setting that would allow children to relax, play and live the life of a child. A setting that would allow those residents to know where they would lay their head at night.

All it would take is for Bowdoin College to donate some of that parcel of land, land that has not been utilized for decades, to the organization.

It would be a win for everyone. Tedford could save the money that would be spent on buying property. That money could then be put into the building to enhance services. Bowdoin College wins by being able to live their best example of what it means to be a Polar Bear.

Looking at Bowdoin’s website, it seems like a natural fit. The site mentions a writing, “The Offer of the College,” by a former college president. In it, the following lines state that the offer of the college is, “To make hosts of friends, to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms … and cooperate with others for common ends… .” What could be more generous than ensuring that those in Brunswick who are facing long odds have a place to call home, if only temporarily? What better “common ends”?

Even still the website promotes work beyond the classroom as offering, “enhanced learning opportunities.” They talk about the “priceless experience” outside of the classroom. How better to learn about the inequalities of life and life’s hardships than having a shelter near the campus? It may even prompt more students to dedicate themselves through volunteerism with Tedford Housing. In this endeavor everyone could win.

Homelessness is not going to go away any time soon. What we can do is promote a lasting solution where those who have a bounty of riches are matched with those who have nothing to lose. In this we can create something better.

Land is a commodity that will forever be in short supply. If the shelter was to be located near a central artery like Bath Road it would give immediate visibility to a real problem. It could also demonstrate that the problem was being met head-on by those most able to make an impact right now.

There is no better place to look for answers than again, at the Bowdoin College website. In a section called, “The Common Good,” the college says, “We all want to live in a better world, but it’s not always clear where to start.” The college could start by making a place for a new shelter.

That’s my two cents…

Jonathan Crimmins can be reached at j_ [email protected].