PORTLAND – The YMCA of Southern Maine’s Greater Portland Branch will serve as an overflow shelter for the city beginning Monday, Dec. 9, to accommodate a recent influx of asylum seekers.
The site is expected to be used as a shelter for about nine days. The YMCA is collecting donations of warm clothes for the families to help them acclimate to Maine. Donations can be dropped off at 70 Forest Ave. Monday, Dec. 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“At the Y, social responsibility is at the center of our mission,” Sarah Leighton, chief strategy and advancement officer said in a release. “When we see a need in our community, we step in to help. We are honored to be able to open our doors during this time of need.”
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less