BANGOR — Bangor’s unhoused population is running out of options.
The city’s largest encampment known as Camp Hope closed earlier this year. At that time, the city said Bangor had collaborated with service providers to help identify exit plans for the remaining people in the camp.
In recent months, a number of the city’s unhoused have been staying next to the railroad tracks under the State Street Bridge and behind Penobscot Plaza.
But now, the city has plans to clear this new encampment on Dec. 19, citing a number of problems with the location.
“That date is driven by the safety concerns associated with individuals living in close proximity to an active railroad,” said City Manager Carollynn Lear. “As well as the equivalent safety concerns for service providers and public safety professionals responding to the health and safety needs of the individuals currently residing there.”
Lear added that there are also concerns that the area would be difficult to access in the event of an emergency as winter weather becomes more prevalent.
However, those staying at the encampment said they need more time.
“It’s understandable, but at the same time I just wish they would have a little bit more patience with us as far as time wise, us being here,” said Jennifer Marshall, who’s been staying at the encampment. “But there’s not much we can do.”
Marshall said she’s been at the railroad encampment for a few months and has been experiencing homelessness for five years.
“We just hope that the community will have a little patience with us,” said Marshall. “It’s not like all of us want to be here. We’re not trying to cause problems; we’re just trying to get housed and get out of here as quickly as we can.”
At a Monday meeting, city councilors discussed the possibility of establishing a sanctioned encampment at a safer location.
However, no official plans for this have been made.
“Although Council has asked city staff to explore that option, no affirmative decision has been made by Council to identify, appropriate funds for, or establish a formal plan for a sanctioned encampment site,” said Lear.
In that same meeting, officials said that some residents of the encampment have received housing vouchers, while some will go to a warming center and others might choose to continue living outside.
“Each group presents with its own challenges, and everyone on the ground is working really hard to move people into a better space than those tracks,” Bangor Public Health and Community Services Director Jennifer Gunderman said Monday.
In light of the planned clearing, some local community members stopped by the encampment site Wednesday.
“We’re just here trying to tell people about the warming center that we have at the church,” said Terry Dinkins, pastor at the Mansion Church in Bangor. “They’re able to come up any night between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., get checked in, and get off the streets.”
Including the Mansion Church, Bangor has three warming shelters open this winter.
City Councilor Susan Faloon, who stressed that she was not speaking on behalf of the council or the city, said she believes the city needs to look into developing a long-term plan.
“We need to have a short-term solution that will get us through the next few months, and then really work on a strategic plan,” said Faloon.
Faloon added that those at the encampment will be properly prepared for the planned Dec. 19 move.
“It’s not going to be a matter where they just come in and say ‘okay, you need to leave now,’” said Faloon. “They are getting some notice and folks are working with them to try to get them some help.”