A Falmouth writer recently questioned the commitment of Portland’s leaders to solving our city’s homelessness crisis, suggesting summer’s malaise has given way to election-season posturing (“Are city officials really focused on solving homelessness?” Oct. 25).
Portland, its residents – both housed and unhoused – its workers, business owners, and leaders are all deeply focused on the homelessness crisis. We have to be. But what about surrounding towns?
Urban areas carry the burden of homelessness for this state. It’s understandable. People in need migrate to where they can access services. But cities should not bear this burden alone. Towns without shelters should support the upkeep and building of shelters in their nearest city, and contribute funds to the underfunded programs struggling to meet the needs of the neediest among us. We require a statewide formula that spreads the burden onto broader shoulders. This is not a failure of leadership. It’s a failure of funding. This is not Portland’s problem; it belongs to all of us.
I have been struck throughout this election cycle by how fortunate the voters of Portland are to have so many worthy candidates from whom to choose our next leader. They are all focused on the issues that challenge and shape our city. The question is whether they will have the resources necessary to make meaningful change and help those in need. Rather than throwing stones at Portland’s leadership, we should look for ways to share the cost. Towns and cities must work together to support programs that change lives and help our urban centers thrive.
Tara Connor
Portland
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