The number of people living in encampments in Maine’s rural areas has increased, challenging the perception that homelessness is primarily a urban issue, according to recent reports and field observations. In Biddeford, two encampments were documented this week, revealing conditions that local officials and advocates describe as urgent and under-resourced.
State data from the Maine Department of Housing and Community Development shows a 12% rise in shelter- and street-based homelessness in non-metropolitan counties between 2022 and 2023. While Portland and Bangor remain the hardest-hit cities, rural regions like York County—where Biddeford is located—have seen a 20% increase in unsheltered individuals, according to a June 2024 report by the Maine Homelessness Coalition.
Rural Homelessness in Maine Gains Attention
Local officials in Biddeford confirmed the existence of two encampments along the Saco River, with estimates of 15 to 20 individuals residing in makeshift shelters made of tarps, tents, and discarded materials. “These are not temporary situations,” said Mayor Michael Brennan during a press briefing on Thursday. “We’re seeing people who have nowhere else to go, and our resources are stretched thin.”
Residents near the encampments reported issues with sanitation, safety, and access to basic services. A survey conducted by the York County Sheriff’s Office in July 2024 found that 60% of encampment residents lacked consistent access to food, while 45% reported no regular healthcare. “It’s a public health crisis,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a family physician in Biddeford, who has volunteered at the encampments. “People are living in conditions that would be unacceptable in any community.”
Conditions in Biddeford Encampments
Photographs taken by local journalists on August 5, 2024, show rows of tents backed by dense foliage, with trash and needles scattered across the ground. One campsite, near the intersection of Route 202 and the Saco River, was described by a volunteer from the Maine Rescue Mission as “a mix of desperation and survival.”
“We’ve seen people who’ve been on the streets for years,” said Sarah Mitchell, a mission worker. “They’re not just passing through—they’re trying to build a life here, but there’s no infrastructure to support them.”
The encampments’ location near a major highway has raised concerns about traffic safety and environmental impact. A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Transportation noted that the agency is monitoring the area but has no immediate plans to intervene. “Our focus is on public safety, but this requires collaboration with local governments and nonprofits,” the spokesperson said.
Calls for Action and Policy Changes
Advocacy groups are urging state and local leaders to expand funding for transitional housing and outreach programs. “Rural areas have been overlooked in homelessness strategies,” said Mark Thompson, executive director of the Maine Coalition to End Homelessness. “We need targeted solutions that address the unique challenges of these communities.”
State legislators are set to debate a bill in September 2024 that would allocate $5 million for rural homelessness initiatives, including mobile outreach units and emergency shelter construction. The proposal has drawn support from both parties, though some critics argue it falls short of long-term needs.
Meanwhile, Biddeford’s city council is considering a resolution to establish a task force focused on rural homelessness. The measure, which would include representatives from local nonprofits, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, is expected to be voted on in late August.
The situation in Biddeford underscores a broader shift in Maine’s homelessness landscape. While urban centers continue to grapple with high costs and limited housing stock, rural areas face a different set of challenges, including geographic isolation, fewer social services, and a lack of political attention.
As the state prepares for the winter months, advocates warn that without immediate action, conditions in encampments like those in Biddeford could worsen. “This isn’t just about shelter—it’s about dignity,” said Mitchell. “Every person deserves a safe place to live.”
What comes next for Biddeford’s encampments will depend on the pace of policy decisions and the availability of funding. For now, residents and officials alike are calling for a coordinated response to a crisis that is no longer confined to the city limits.
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