I am a social worker and a faith leader in Portland. In both of my roles I minister daily to people in the unhoused community in Portland. I am deeply saddened and disheartened by the continued destruction of the encampments that are set up for survival by unhoused citizens of our city.

Currently all the homeless shelters are full. So, if someone becomes homeless, where are they to go for shelter, warmth and survival?

We are in a moral and existential crisis. We need a state of emergency declared.

I will be attending a prayer vigil on Dec. 7 in Augusta at the State House, together with faith leaders, clergy and other concerned citizens, as we call for immediate emergency housing and permanent subsidized housing for our unhoused brothers and sisters suffering in the cold.

If the government will not provide emergency shelters, then the cities and towns of Maine must accept that its citizens will be forced to camp out for survival on city and town land. If there is “no room in the inn,” then can we not provide at least a “stable” for the poor of our state to find warmth, comfort, safety and dignity inside?

Our leaders have a choice: Choose to act now, stop destroying people’s survival tents and immediately requisition spaces for people to shelter safely inside. Or choose to neglect the poor and commit injustice against the poorest in our community.

Aaron Hoffman
Scarborough


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: