NEWS

Rep. Pingree to visit Portland soup kitchen, homeless shelter

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree is visiting a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in Portland.

The Democratic congresswoman will visit the Preble Street soup kitchen on Wednesday.

Pingree’s office says that the congresswoman will talk to three residents at the Oxford Street Shelter who haven’t been able to move into permanent housing due to mandatory federal budget cuts, known as sequestration.

The budget cuts kicked in March 1 after Democrats and Republicans missed a deadline to agree on a long-term deficit reduction plan.

Pingree’s office says the budget cuts have meant longer waiting lists for affordable housing and fewer deliveries of meals to seniors.