PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) – The city of Presque Isle has seen an increase in the number of homeless people over the past six months. Currently, Aroostook Homeless Services is working with the city to expand its services.

Last summer, the Presque Isle City Council proposed a camping ordinance that would prohibit people from sleeping on certain areas of public property. After months of discussions, the council voted to table the ordinance and instead focus on improving support services in the area.

Although the ordinance did not pass, it still sparked discussions between the city and the community about how to help those currently living without shelter.

Kari Bradstreet, the executive director of Aroostook Homeless Services, says she plans to meet more regularly with city officials to figure out how best to pool the city’s resources.

“In order to grow and sustain Aroostook County, we need housing, we need services and they need to be readily available to all populations,” Bradstreet tells WAGM. “It takes a partnership and we won’t be able to accommodate everyone unless everyone participates.”

The city is already working with Aroostook Homeless Services to expand resources. With letters of support from the city and other organizations, they recently applied for a grant that would allow them to keep their warming shelter open year-round. The warming hut is currently open from November to April from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“An additional 15 beds are created in this area throughout the year to get people off the streets and into a bed,” Bradstreet said.

The warming shelter works with ACAP’s Hope and Prosperity Project to help people access housing, workforce and mental health resources. People who use the warming shelter have access to these services.

“They have the opportunity to work with anyone they can get services with, get referrals and hopefully place them permanently,” Bradstreet explains.

The shelter is still waiting to hear back about the grant.

In the meantime, the shelter is accepting donations from the community as winter approaches. The items they currently need include: Dishwashing liquid, Disinfectant, Winter clothing for menAnd Winter boots. Donations can be made directly to the animal shelter.

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