PORTLAND (AP) — On the same day a new city ordinance gives panhandlers the boot from median strips, officials in the Maine city of Portland are touting ongoing efforts aimed at giving homeless people a helping hand.
Mayor Michael Brennan and representatives from the city and housing and social service agencies are holding a press conference Thursday to highlight initiatives designed to reduce homelessness under the city’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.
The plan has seven strategies, with a focus on affordable housing.
Thursday is also the first day a new city ordinance goes into effect that bans loitering on median strips on city streets. The ordinance doesn’t mention panhandling, but it was passed in response to public safety concerns with people standing on median strips looking for roadside handouts.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.