SANFORD – Since Sanford’s Homeless Task Force was established a month ago, about seven people have been admitted to York County Shelter Programs, including a mother with two children, aged 5 and 12. Another homeless individual is in a detox program for substance abuse, and two others may be heading to the shelter. Now, Sanford officials are trying to get a handle on next steps for the city’s homeless population as fall and winter approach.

Sanford Police Detective Eric Small, who heads the police department’s team assigned to work with the homeless, told the Sanford City Council’s public safety subcommittee on Tuesday that while those who live in the woods off Heritage Crossing are the most visible – he estimates there are about 20 people living there – there are others in various locations across the city and they should not be forgotten.

With summer coming to an end, “it’s going to be cold out there,” he said.

Initial estimates of those camping in the woods of Heritage Crossing and in other locations in Sanford and Springvale put the total at around 40, not counting those who sometimes stay with friends or family or live in their vehicles.

So far, said Small, a dozen homeless people have made their way to a Resource Hub – where social service and health agencies can render aid and offer information about services to assist people interested in changing their situation. The police officers offer rides and encouragement to check out the hub – but can’t force people to go, he pointed out.

The temporary hub, set up on the grounds of York County Community Action Corporation late last week, is open 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and has been slated to remain available until Oct. 1.

The question the three public safety subcommittee city councilors – Joseph Hanslip, Ayn Hanselmann and John Tuttle – are mulling, along with city staff, is “what’s next.”

The Heritage Crossing parking lot adjacent to the homeless camp becomes winter a park and ride lot for those who work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, City Manager Steve Buck said. Because of that, he said, “come Oct. 1, what’s happening there now won’t continue. That’s the truth of it.”

Buck said the Resource Hub is producing significant results – but  knew some would not take advantage of it.

When the city was looking as the possibilities of opening an emergency shelter, he said, those who work with social service agencies told him to develop a plan for closure first, before it opens.

“So I have concerns about a permanent place,” said Buck.

Hanslip said he’d lived in Sanford for many years, and there had been a homeless population when he arrived. “Do we need to be thinking about some sort of permanent facility?” he asked.

“There is one, in Alfred,” said Sanford Community Development Director Ian Houseal. “There’s just not enough beds.”

Others noted addiction and mental health issues among the homeless population.

Small said the opioid epidemic plays a large role – and that Sanford and other communities need to be thinking about the next generation – who are not living in the woods yet – but could be.

“This is a social issue with roots much deeper than Sanford,” Sgt. Craig Anderson said.

As to the current issue, Small said a place where the homeless could take a shower and do laundry would make a difference.

“This issue is not temporary,” aid Sanford Police Chief Thomas Connolly. “It is a semi-permanent thing.” He noted that a 30 percent success rate with the homeless is considered “phenomenal.”

“I commend Eric and the other officers and the (police) chief and the department for doing this,” said Hanslip, noting that the homeless population are getting to know the officers. “I think you’re doing good work and I commend you. I’m proud you took the initiative.”

Tuttle asked if Biddeford and Saco had similar issues.

Buck noted Sanford’s unique position – at least at the Heritage Crossing site – where there are vacant mills that have at times provided shelter to some extent, a large wooded area in the middle of the urban hub, with close walking proximity to services and a river for water, bathing and laundry.

Hanselmann said that the City Council had been somewhat assured that most people were not living in the woods last winter – even though they might have been coach surfing or living in their vehicles. She questioned if the homeless would find an alternative to camping if more time were allotted.

Small said that some would still likely live outside.

Some people just won’t go to shelters, Small said, or have had a bad experience in the past. One man told him he wouldn’t go to a shelter because he went to one in another Maine county and was urinated on there.

Those around the table discussed reaching out to faith-based groups to help with food and resources like showers.

As the session wound down, the group agreed to reconvene the Homeless Task Force group, that includes the city, York County Shelter Programs, York County Community Action Corporation and others, to help forge a plan.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.