Homeless advocates hold 'sit out' to raise awareness in Portland

PORTLAND (WGME) — Homeless advocates held a “sit out” to raise awareness in Portland. Many people supporting the effort at Tommy’s Park Tuesday morning are experiencing homelessness themselves. For the last nine years, advocates with the group Homeless Voices for Justice have come together around the longest day of the year to let people know … Read more

Maine Calling: What to Do About Panhandling

The city of Portland has been at the center of the storm over the issue of panhandling, but other Maine communities are also grappling with it and discussing whether to put limits on people soliciting money from passers-by. In Portland, a ban on panhandling from median strips was ruled unconstitutional earlier this year and now … Read more

Augusta Police Chief staged panhandling protest

AUGUSTA, Maine (NECN) — The police chief in Augusta took a day off work last Friday to stage a one man protest against panhandling in his city. Chief Robert Gregoire said, based on his department’s interactions with many panhandlers, he believes the public’s donations are often used to buy drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. He held … Read more

Protesters Rally in Portland to Oppose DHHS Move

For the second time this month, protestors gathered at state offices in downtown Portland to voice their opposition to the LePage administration’s plans to move DHHS offices to a site in South Portland. A couple of dozen advocates braved near-zero temperatures to make their point. Thomas Ptacek is with Homeless Voices for Justice, which organized … Read more

Plan to move Maine DHHS office draws protests, possible lawsuit

Homeless advocates gathered Tuesday morning at the current DHHS building on Marginal Way in Portland to protest the state’s decision to move the agency’s Cumberland County offices to a proposed 82,600-square-foot building in South Portland near the Portland International Jetport. "A lot of people who access these services get here by foot," said Jim Devine, … Read more

Preble Street election forum draws four Portland City Council candidates

PORTLAND – You don’t need a home to vote. That was the message at a candidates forum held Oct. 11 by Homeless Voices for Justice, the advocacy campaign affiliated with Preble Street Resource Center. Four of the seven candidates for City Council participated to answer questions from about two dozen people, including individuals who described … Read more