Portland Takes Action: Clearing Last Large Homeless Encampment

The city of Portland, Maine, has announced plans to clear its last remaining homeless encampment at Harbor View Memorial Park on Tuesday. City officials had initially hoped to use outreach efforts to bring people into shelter, but due to difficulties in connecting individuals with available beds, they have decided to proceed with a sweep. The city reports that 43 people from the encampment, and a total of 111 people sleeping outside, have been brought into shelter since November. While there are still over 100 beds available, some homeless individuals have chosen not to go to shelters due to various reasons, including restrictions on drug and alcohol use, couples not being allowed to sleep together, and the distance from downtown services. Encampment sweeps have been controversial, with advocates arguing they traumatize homeless individuals, while others believe they are necessary for safety as temperatures drop.