LEWISTON – The B Street Community Center was the setting for the first housing and resources fair, a collaborative effort sponsored by the Lewiston Auburn Alliance for Services for the Homeless and Balance of State Continuum of Care Community Engagement Committee.

Tina Bailey took her place as greeter at the center’s front door at 9 a.m. Oct. 17 and began welcoming people to the fair.

“One of our key goals for today is to try to hook up as many people as possible with the services they need. We want this to be an interactive event, where people not only get information, they could potentially walk away with an appointment,” said Billie Cereste, Tri-County Mental Health and one of this year’s organizers.

A housing panel offered participants a chance to speak to area housing providers, while a resource panel time had representatives from organizations that help with legal concerns, food, advocacy and similar issues. Panels were repeated again in the afternoon.

Sue Charron, Lewiston general assistance office, was able to help several people who came in looking to find shelter, while David MacLean, Department of Health and Human Services, was making phone calls to see what type of assistance he could find for a widowed homeowner who was at risk of foreclosure.

Rick Nugent, Homeless Veteran’s Initiative, and Paul McLaughlin, Hope Haven Mission, discussed a time for Nugent to meet with residents of Hope Haven about the services he can offer to homeless veterans.

“I think this fair has been a wonderful opportunity for area providers to learn more about each other as well as help the community. I picked up two referrals today, which was fantastic, but what I learned sitting in on the panel discussion was just as important for me. I learned about services I did not know existed until today,” said Lisa Hartnett, Maine CareerCenter.

Claire Nacinovich and Amy Keck, Pine Tree Legal Services, were able to offer information to a woman facing eviction due to the closing of her building, while at the same time learning from Corey Washow what services are offered to clients at the Aspiring for Careers and Education program.

Organizers are making notes about how to improve the fair for next year. “This was a great first attempt and we all are very pleased. With the input we received today from participants and providers, it will be even better next year,” said Giff Jamison, Tedford Housing.