We write in appreciation of the passage by the Maine Legislature of LD 443, “An Act To Help Stabilize Homeless Shelters in Maine.” Since 1987, Tedford Housing has operated two emergency housing residences in Brunswick, one for single adults and one for families. Each night, the shelters are home to 45 adults and children, annually serving 85 children and 170 adults from northern Cumberland, Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties.

Funding to support the operation of our facilities and case management services has been highly variable and in decline. In response to budget shortfalls in 2011, Tedford closed its Cumberland Street emergency housing residence during daylight hours, remaining open only at night and on the weekends. Just last month, the Tedford Board voted to close the Cumberland residence for one weekend day in the face of continuing budget pressures.

However, with the passage of LD 443 cosponsored by Sen. Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick and Sen. Chris Johnson of Somerville, all Maine emergency shelters can begin to stabilize their budgets and be open and available to the growing number of adults and families who do not have a door to walk through and a roof over their heads. This funding enabled the Board to rescind the Saturday closing decision and diminishes budget pressures on the shelters.

Seeking lasting solutions to the challenges of homelessness, Tedford has supplemented its emergency shelter resources with affordable, long-term housing in Bath and Brunswick, homeless prevention resources from Brunswick to Damariscotta and case management services for all guests and tenants including homeless students in MSAD 75, Brunswick and RSU 1, insuring those students remain on their path to graduation.

Although LD 443 provides critically needed funds, achieving Tedford’s mission will always depend on the strong financial support of individuals, businesses, foundations, towns and the United Way from the thirty three communities we serve. As newly elected president and vice-president of the Board of Tedford Housing, we deeply appreciate not only the Legislature’s passage and funding of LD 443, but also the support of so many whose contributions move our communities toward solving the problems of homelessness.

Craig McEwen, President,

John Carson, Vice-President,

Tedford Housing