Portland, Maine - This week’s cold snap serves as a good reminder to the public that on any given night more than four hundred and twenty-five people within the community experience homelessness and seek emergency refuge at one of community’s six overnight shelters. These men, women and children are particularly vulnerable to the weather and often in need of help or assistance from the community to stay warm. The City of Portland’s two emergency shelters are currently seeking donations from the public that will be distributed to those in need. Suggested items include new blankets, coat vests, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, earmuffs, long underwear and warm winter socks. Donations to the shelters have been down compared to years past. Members of the public interested in making donations can make arrangements by contacting the city at (207)761-2072.
In response to the cold temperatures, the Oxford Street Shelter has been opening early at 1:30 PM and has coordinated with other local shelters to ensure that warm space is available throughout the day. Staff is also going out at night to known outdoor locations where people who are homeless are known to be to encourage them to seek shelter and offer transportation to Oxford Street. Additionally, staff has been providing winter gear to those in need.
The City of Portland operates two emergency shelters, the Oxford Street Shelter and the Emergency Family
