AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, to provide funding for Maine’s emergency shelters, which help individuals and families experiencing homelessness, is now in effect.
LD 2124 contributes one-time state funds to keep shelters open and reduce costs for municipalities. The primary funding source for emergency shelters has not increased since 2016, despite rising costs for staffing, food, utilities, insurance and security.
“While we are in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, emergency shelters provide a crucial public service, getting people off the street in frigid Maine winters and connecting them with resources to find stability again,” said Gattine. “Emergency shelters help individuals experiencing homelessness – many of whom are veterans, survivors of domestic violence or have experienced a health crisis – and reduce costs for taxpayers.”
“The Augusta Emergency Overnight Warming Center required funds from the city to stay open this year. Yet, even with funding covered for this year they are not able to cover the need and are at capacity nightly,” wrote Garrett Fontaine on behalf of the United Community Living Center in testimony supporting the legislation at its public hearing in February. “We have been witness to the ill effects of people who are not able to shelter there. We see many cases of trench foot, frostbite and devastating foot wounds in our free clinic. We have had people lose their limbs.”
Like many emergency shelters in Maine struggling to fund operations, the York County Adult Shelter closed in 2025. When shelters aren’t available, costs don’t disappear, they shift – at a much higher rate for taxpayers – to law enforcement, emergency responders and hospitals.
Emergency shelters are more than a place to sleep. They are pathways back to independent housing through intensive case management, including housing navigation, connections to employment, healthcare and behavioral health supports.
Gattine is serving his sixth non-consecutive term in the Maine House and represents parts of Westbrook, Scarborough and Saco. He is House chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Gattine) | 305-965-2744