BANGOR, Maine — Leaders in the City of Bangor are working to better understand how people experiencing homelessness are engaging with community resources.
This is made possible with help from the city's new homelessness response manager.
"I think one of the things that we have to do is better understand the state of homelessness within our community,” Homelessness Response Manager Jena Jones said.
Her goal is to use data to better understand how to provide stable housing and resources to people who are chronically homeless.
"Without really understanding who the folks are who are experiencing homelessness in our community, we really can't apply solutions that are as efficient and effective as they must be," Jones said.
She says people transitioning to longer-term housing often have trouble finding support services like transportation or money to cover the first month's rent.
"We don't want those types of barriers to be the reason someone remains unsheltered," Jones said.
Jones' role is already proving to be beneficial among public officials who say her work is critical in addressing the needs of the community.
"She is out boots-on-the-ground which is fantastic," Bangor Police Department Public Information Officer Jason McAmbley said.
Jones often works with leaders like McAmbley and other community organizations to get resources to the people who really need them.
"We have so many different entities who try to do their own thing. If we all work towards one common goal instead of everyone going off in a different direction, I think we'd have much more success then we are seeing now," McAmbley said.
This comes at a time when the need to address the impact of homelessness is urgent.
"We have to ensure that the connections we are making are as effective as possible," Jones said.