BIDDEFORD, Maine — In the face of a growing homelessness crisis in Maine, leaders from diverse backgrounds are set to gather for a crucial forum at the University of New England.
This event comes on the heels of recent encampment sweeps in Portland, Bangor, and beyond, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Professor Courtni Jeffers, a public health professor at UNE, will moderate the forum, guiding discussions among three experts on the panel.
Danielle West, Portland's city manager, Cullen Ryan from Community Housing of Maine, and Ali Lovejoy representing Preble Street will provide their insights on the current state of homelessness in Maine.
"It's important to hear where we really are in regards to homelessness," Jeffers said.
Contrary to the perception that homelessness in Maine is escalating, Jeffers pointed out there has been a decrease since the height of the pandemic.
"They are making progress. It doesn't look like it has because we just aren't told about it," Jeffers explained.
The President's Forum at UNE typically attracts a couple of hundred students eager to engage with the state's most pressing issues.
UNE President James Herbert, expressed the importance of discussing challenging topics constructively, fostering an environment where hard subjects can be addressed.
"You have different people who have very different perspectives on the best approach to take so we want to highlight those different perspectives, by having an interactive conversation, [a] respectful conversation about the topic," Herbert said.
The discussion will span a range of topics, from camping laws in the state to overflowing shelters— a consequence of recent encampment sweeps.
Jeffers shed light on the complexity of these sweeps, acknowledging both the potential for violence and the availability of notice and options for those affected.
"Sweeps can be violent if people are losing all of their things, but also they've been given a lot of notice and options. There are a lot of beds they could go to, so it's trying to figure out where the truth is between what we're being told as the public about sweeps and what's really happening," Jeffers said.
Organizers of the forum said they hoped to leave students and the community better informed and feeling empowered. By fostering open discussions on homelessness, they aim to inspire fresh ideas and solutions to tackle this critical issue.
The President's Forum is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 6 p.m., on the Biddeford campus, and is free and open to both the student body and the public.