Several Ambulances and a Number of Police Officers Were Seen at the Site of the Tent Village Behind Trader Joe’s on the Bayside Trail Early This Afternoon. An Employee of the Non-profit Opportunity Alliance Speculated That the Reason for the Ambulances Could Have Been a Drug Overdose From One of the Occupants of the Site.
A “For Lease” sign Remains on the 90 Blueberry Road Property With no Sign of Activity Thereon. Previously the Massive Building was a Furniture Warehouse. It Can be Seen in the Background.
Governor Janet T. Mills (D), is planning to add an additional $12 mllion to recapitalize the emergency housing fund as part of her forthcoming change package to the budget to support municipalities like Portland as they continue to deal with the issue of homelessness,” according to a statement released to mhn.com from the Governor’s office yesterday morning.
The Governor has also directed her Administration to “evaluate what additional support is needed when it comes to the coordination of services and how the state may play the most effective role in supporting efforts to address homlessness, including the influx of asylum seekers. We look forward to engaging with the City of Portland and surrounding municapilities and communities across Maine, as well as other organizations and stakeholders, to consider options,” the lengthy statement said in part.
The statement pointed out that the state is providing funding for a 280-bed shelter at 90 Blueberry Road, Portland; for 16 units of transitional housing for homeless, pregnant moms on Capisic Street; 77 emergency shelter beds on Cumberland Avenue and 36 familly shelter beds on Woodfords Street, among many other shelter spaces across the state.
For the third time recently, this blogger drove to the 90 Blueberry Road site mentioned previously as a possible shelter for asylum seekers this summer – when those occupying the EXPO will need to be relocated according to the city. A “For Lease” sign remains on the property with no sign of on-going building rennovations on the premises. Is there a deal here or not Kevin Bunker?
Incidentally, the “Opportunity Alliance” employee referred to in the above left photo kept yelling at me that the photos this blogger has posted only make the situation worse. Your photos only cause anger and more hate at these people, she yelled repeatedly as this blogger responded “I disagree” and walked away from her unprofessional behavior. It is indeed a stressful situation for many people, not just the homeless.
Meanwhile, Portland city officials continue to meet in executive session to consider options for the homeless in the tent village behind Trader Joe’s.