Bangor, Maine (WABI) — Bangor business owners are calling on the City Council to do more in response to the ongoing homelessness crisis.
A business owner claims he was attacked.
Several people repeatedly mentioned needles and human waste found in front of their stores.
One owner claimed customers told her they were afraid to shop in the city centre.
City officials cited ongoing conversations with resource centers and efforts to unite and expand them, as well as affordable housing, noting that these are not overnight solutions.
They also detailed New York City’s new plan to send social workers instead of police to handle mental health emergency calls.
“The project that Council approved in the budget last year is called the BCAT program,” said Council President Rick Fournier. “The police chief is hiring four people, and instead of doing all the ongoing welfare checks like the police department does, social workers are working directly with those people.”
Officials also cited their ongoing efforts with Build From Zero, which implemented a statewide strategy earlier this year to end homelessness.
A complete list of the city’s resources and programs can be accessed at bangormaine.gov/homelessness.
Copyright 2022 WABI. all rights reserved.