For Immediate Release – October 19, 2023
Contact: Debbie Laurie - City Manager, City of Bangor
(207) 992-4204 debbie.laurie@bangormaine.gov
Bangor, Maine – On Friday, October 20th, after more than three months of intensive outreach efforts, identified individuals who have refused to engage will be asked to leave the homeless encampment located behind the Hope House. This decision was not made lightly. It was based on safety and security concerns for those individuals within the encampment who are engaged with services providers, as observed, and reported by individuals on site, including outreach, as well as neighbors. The individuals being asked to leave are refusing to engage with outreach staff and are engaged in activity that is endangering the well-being of others. This action is being undertaken to ensure that those individuals who are engaging in services can do so in a safe environment.
Every effort will continue to be made to support the individuals who are being asked to leave the location without disrupting the lives of those who will remain. A thoughtful, methodical process has been undertaken by the City, and its partners, to ensure those being asked to leave have received proper notice.
Tomorrow morning, City staff, along with our community partners, will be on site to assist those being asked to leave. Totes will be provided for personal items, and storage options will be offered for items too large to carry. If necessary, criminal trespass orders will be issued to those who refuse to leave the premises. It’s important to note that the trespass orders do not become part of a criminal record.
The City, and community partners, remain committed to helping any individual throughout the City who chooses to engage with outreach workers to secure safe, permanent housing and to access necessary services.
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The City of Bangor, Maine is a service center community of 31,753 residents and is the county seat of Penobscot County. Bangor is the major commercial and cultural center for much of northern and eastern Maine. The City is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. For information on City projects and news, see www.bangormaine.gov.