Bangor Homelessness Committee Hears Public Concerns

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Bangor Advisory Committee on Homelessness heard directly from the public during a meeting Tuesday night, with residents emphasizing the need for compassion, consolidated resources, and transparent communication from committee members.

Additionally, community members pointed out that the ongoing crisis extends far beyond substance abuse, highlighting an urgent, critical need for increased mental health resources.

One resident said, “It’s not primarily a substance use issue, though many of these individuals do have active addiction because there’s no appropriate treatment or housing pathway. When people with serious mental illness are repeatedly discharged without a realistic plan the cycle of crisis, short hospitalization and a return to homelessness continues.”

Another spoke about the need for financial responsibility.

“We all want the same thing. We all want to take care of those who are most vulnerable. Nobody should be living in the outdoors. But we also want to spend our dollars responsibly, have them be monitored, and have real measurable outcomes,” she said.

The committee, which was created back in March, says it plans to use data to workshop long-term solutions.

While the panel only serves in an advisory role to the city council, members stress they are committed to making real change.