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BANGOR, Maine (WB) – Bangor business owners are asking the city council to take more action when it comes to homelessness.
A business owner said he was assaulted.
Numerous needles and human waste were frequently found in front of their stores.
One owner said customers told her they were afraid to buy downtown.
City officials point to ongoing discussions with property centers and efforts to consolidate and expand, as well as affordable housing, but these aren’t fixes overnight.
They also outlined the city’s new program to send social workers to mental health emergencies instead of police.
“The City Council passed the budget last year called the BCAT program,” said Council Chairman Rick Fournier. “The police chief has hired four individuals, instead of doing the series of welfare checks that the PD does, there are social workers who work directly with the individuals.”
Officials cited their efforts with Built For Zero, which implemented a statewide strategy to end homelessness earlier this year.
A complete list of the city’s resources and programs is available at bangormaine.gov/homelessness.
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