On the same day that a ban on panhandling in medians went into effect in Portland, city leaders and organizations that work with the homeless held a press conference applauding the progress they’ve made in providing housing for those living on the streets. As Patty Wight reports, city officials say there’s been a 30 percent … Read more
AUGUSTA – Many states are gearing up to enroll more residents into Medicaid coverage starting in January. But thousands of Mainers are preparing to lose coverage this winter because of changes to the state’s program and the decision not to expand coverage under the federal health care overhaul. More than 15,000 low-income parents are expected … Read more
PORTLAND – In 30 days, it will be illegal for anyone to loiter in the city’s street medians for any reason, including panhandling. Supporters of the ordinance said it is needed to protect public safety — both for panhandlers and the traveling public. Panhandlers sometimes walk into the street and almost get hit by cars, … Read more
AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Democrats are moving forward with their plan to link expansion of Medicaid to payment of the state’s $484 million hospital debt. In a party-line vote, the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted 7-5 to approve the bill Thursday. Both parties held news conferences Thursday on the issue. Democrats say it’s … Read more
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – Thomas Ptacek never expected to rely on MaineCare or the veterans health services he was entitled to after serving as a psychiatric technician with the Navy during the first Gulf War. But after he became homeless four years ago at the age of 40, Ptacek found himself needing government assistance for … Read more
In an effort to close a $112 million Medicaid shortfall in the state budget, the LePage administration wants to cut back on the amount of money the state gives municipalities for general assistance programs. The governor is proposing to cap total state spending on general assistance through June 30th at $10.1 million, about $1.5 million … Read more
Trained volunteers joined social workers, homeless shelter staff and military veterans in the annual one-night survey of the state’s homeless population last night. The nationwide census is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address the needs of the homeless. It’s a need that’s growing statewide, and especially in Maine’s largest … Read more
PORTLAND – Friends and supporters of the city’s homeless population gathered on the longest night of the year last Friday to read, one by one, the first names and last initials of the 30 Portland-area homeless people who died this year. This was one of the hardest years on record for these people, according to … Read more
PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — With record numbers of people seeking assistance from the food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in Maine, advocates for the homeless set out to dispel myths and misconceptions people have about homelessness. “One of the big ones, you know really is that people are choosing to be homeless,” explained Tom … Read more
PORTLAND, Maine – Members of a Portland homeless advocacy group turned to a familiar holiday prop Monday in an effort to dispel what they said are common misconceptions about people living in shelters or on the streets. Representatives of Homeless Voices for Justice unveiled an eight-foot-tall house-shaped Advent calendar, in which 10 doors and windows … Read more
