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The Why Behind the Events

Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness, of which 700,000 are unaccompanied minors, meaning they are not part of a family or accompanied by a parent or guardian. On any given night, approximately 41,000 unaccompanied youth ages 13-25 experience homelessness.
–National Conference of State Legislatures

During the School Year 2020-21, public schools identified 1,099,221 students who experienced homelessness.
–Children’s Defense Fund, 2023

Homelessness is not just a national problem. It is a real problem here in MidCoast Maine. Homelessness affects all of us, directly or indirectly.

The shortage of affordable housing here in the MidCoast has squeezed out many families who now experience homelessness. They are our friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers. Their children attend our schools.

Many families and youth double up with family or friends, couch surf, stay in motels not set up for families, or settle for substandard lodgings, often without utilities. Although domestic violence shelters serve some in need, there is currently no family or youth shelter in Waldo County.

The state Homeless Response Services Hub (Region 3: Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc Counties, plus Bath and Brunswick) has identified 113 MidCoast families with children staying in motels or shelters, in addition to 60 unaccompanied, unhoused youth.

This year as of September, Belfast General Assistance has provided housing assistance to 219 people, which included 42 men, 114 women, and 63 children.

These statistics do not include families and youth who have not applied for assistance or have not been able to find housing or shelter. They remain uncounted.