BIDDEFORD, Maine — Across the state of Maine, the issue of homelessness continues to grow, leaving many individuals without a place to call home.
In Biddeford, a local nonprofit called White Butterfly with a Cause is actively working to make a difference in the lives of the unhoused population.
Founder Tammy Harvison, the driving force behind White Butterfly with a Cause, has witnessed the encampment on Water Street in Biddeford swell from 10 people to 26.
She spends at least $200 of her own money each week and dedicates four hours each day to providing assistance.
"It doesn't matter how you got here; it's how we can get you out of here that matters to me," Harvison said.
Her motivation for this mission is deeply personal. In 2016, she lost her oldest daughter, Brittany, in a tragic incident involving a distracted driver in Portland. Harvison, a mother of three, decided to honor her daughter's memory by actively giving back to her community.
"I taught my daughters to always give back and help," Harvison said.
Her dedication goes beyond immediate relief. She also actively assists individuals in finding jobs and housing.
People like Thomas Elwel, who has been living at the encampment for a year after his home was foreclosed, expressed the constant struggle with cold nights, fights, and the feeling of being imprisoned.
"It feels like you're in prison. I've been to prison, and it feels like you're in prison," Elwel said.
Tammy collaborates with city officials, including Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman, to connect unhoused individuals with resources like job opportunities and housing.
Success stories, such as placing someone in a group home, are celebrated as small victories in the ongoing battle against homelessness.
"We're celebrating every success we have. It's the least that we can do," Grohman said.
Harvison reflected on the impact of her work, expressing that her daughter in heaven would be proud to see this mission carried on.
"It's the least that we can do. I'm blessed to be able to do this," Harvison said.
If you'd like to support Harvison and White Butterfly with a Cause, donations can be made through their Facebook page, where they have Venmo and a registry set up to collect contributions.