One Section of the Harbor View Memorial Park to be Swept This Morning by the city’s Department of Public Works.

“Preble Street has been advocating non-stop for the city of Portland to stop this morning’s sweep of Harbor View Park.  We appreciate the efforts of the faith community and others who showed-up at 6:30 am under the Casco Bay Bridge to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable people in our community as they were displaced again.

“Throughout the past month, Preble Street and partners have worked with the people living at Harbor View which has led to more than 35 people moving into shelters or housing.  After this morning’s sweep, we are worried that the progress we have  made to move others out of the cold will be disrupted again.

No one should have to live outside in the cold Maine winter.  And, sweeps are harmful and inhumane.

This new year, we have an opportunity to do better for our unsheltered neighbors.  Together, we can choose to ensure that shelters are accessible to all who need them, that more housing is created and is affordable and that there are behavorial and substance use supports available to help people move forward,” wrote Danielle Smaha, Commuications Director, Preble Street, in an email to this blogger this afternoon.

“The city is effective at promoting itself.   But there are often two sides to an issue.  It’s important that Preble Street be given an opportnity to express its view because the city certainly isn’t interested in doing that,” said this blogger.  “Hence an open invitation to Preble Street to express its views has been extended to the non-profit.”