Early conversations about homelessness and the need for an improved shelter facility predate my election to the Council. But I'm proud to have played a role, alongside stakeholders, in moving this conversation forward over the last two and a half years. We're now poised to select a site for a new, state-of-the-art facility that will allow city staff to fully implement best practices and move people from homelessness to permanent housing as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This new facility is just one step in a long-range plan to address homelessness in Portland, but it is a very important step.
Here's a brief overview of the Micro-Timeline to Date* and how I expect the process to unfold from here.
This new facility is just one step in a long-range plan to address homelessness in Portland, but it is a very important step.
Here's a brief overview of the Micro-Timeline to Date* and how I expect the process to unfold from here.
Read the article straight through, or use the links below to jump to the section that most interests you.
Micro-Timeline of Shelter Process to Date*
* The Micro-Timeline only covers the last two years and only includes actions taken at the committee and Council level.
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Again, it is important to note that the Micro-Timeline only covers the last two years and only includes actions taken at the committee and Council level. The process of considering a new shelter facility and determining how to address homelessness in Portland began several years before June of 2016, and City staff has been working with area providers, experts, and stakeholders throughout this very long process.
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What to Expect this Fall
Going forward, here are the important dates to keep in mind.
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Date/Time
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Event
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Details
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Location
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September 8th
11am-1pm |
The city is hosting this forum to give an overview of the new model with an emphasis on important topics City staff have identified during their extensive outreach. (Format and backup materials here.)
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Hannaford Hall in the Abromson Center on the University of Southern Maine's Portland Campus
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September 11th
5:30pm |
HHS & PS Committee Meeting
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The early portion of the meeting will be a chance for committee members to ask any remaining questions they may have regarding this proposal
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City Hall
389 Congress Street Council Chambers (it's always a good idea to double check the room # on the City Calendar on the day of the meeting) |
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September 25th
5:30pm |
HHS & PS Committee Meeting
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The Committee will vote on proposed site and zoning change
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City Hall
389 Congress Street Room 24 (it's always a good idea to double check the room # on the City Calendar on the day of the meeting) |
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October (exact date TBD)
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Planning Board meeting and public hearing
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The Planning Board will review the proposal and make a recommendation to the Council
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City Hall
389 Congress Street Council Chambers |
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October (exact date TBD)
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City Council Workshop
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City staff will present information on the proposal to the Council and answer any Council questions
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City Hall
389 Congress Street Council Chambers |
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November (exact date TBD)
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City Council Meeting
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At some point before voting on the proposal, the Council will hold a public hearing; typically this happens at the second read of an item (for more on first and second reads, check out Public Comment 101)
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City Hall
389 Congress Street Council Chambers |
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November or December (exact date TBD)
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City Council Meeting
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The Council will vote on proposed site and zoning change
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City Hall
389 Congress Street Council Chambers |
These dates represent my best guess at the timeline for this process, but as with most plans in life, these dates could shift and change. If they do, I'll post an updated update, so check the Shelter category on my blog to see the most recent information.
Opportunities for Public Comment
As you can see from the Micro-Timeline, the HHS & PS Committee held a public hearing on the proposed location for the new Homeless Services Center in July. While there will not be another public hearing at the Committee level unless the proposal changes substantively, there will be additional public hearings at both the Planning Board and the Council. See the schedule above for the approximate dates of those public hearings.
And of course, public comment on all issues is always welcome on an ongoing basis. You can contact individual councilors at any time via phone, email, or letter to offer your comments on any issue. You can also email the City Clerk to have your comments forwarded to the Council and added to the public record. For more on public comment and public hearings, check out Public Comment 101.
And of course, public comment on all issues is always welcome on an ongoing basis. You can contact individual councilors at any time via phone, email, or letter to offer your comments on any issue. You can also email the City Clerk to have your comments forwarded to the Council and added to the public record. For more on public comment and public hearings, check out Public Comment 101.
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