Advisory Committee on Homelessness 11.9.26

The City of Bangor Advisory Committee on Homelessness met on November 11, 2026, to discuss its three-month report, community correspondence, and development of the homelessness strategic plan, with a focus on prevention. Members proposed adding concrete examples of committee work and agreed to send feedback on the report by the end of the week; a vote on the report was anticipated at a future meeting. The committee also discussed public education about barriers to reusing properties such as the Dorothy Dix campus, noting that no space was available there at the time of a recent city discussion and that property decisions are outside the committee’s authority.

City staff described the housing navigation and stabilization program, which helps residents at risk of eviction through landlord coordination, referrals, and housing support. MaineHousing funding for the program ends in December 2026, including discretionary assistance for rent, utilities, and other stabilization needs; the related staff position will continue as a city-funded position approved in a prior budget. The funding was described as approximately $200,000, with an estimated half used for discretionary assistance; staff agreed to provide exact budget and service data. The committee discussed potential prevention priorities—including program feedback and evaluation, current resource lists, public education, life-skills development, and support for newly housed residents—and will review a draft prevention section at its next meeting alongside the city’s Housing and Community Development Strategy. No procurement activity, contract awards, or purchasing decisions were identified.