Emergency! Help our community survive the winter!

Help keep homeless Bangor community members warm this winter! We as a community need to come together to help ensure the safety of those who are most vulnerable, especially those who are going to be living outside during the harsh Maine winter. The City of Bangor has stated that it can identify around 170 houseless community members living outside right now - though this number is surely much higher.

Throughout the years the City of Bangor has conducted a number of sweeps of houseless encampments throughout Bangor, displacing houseless residents, destroying their few possessions, and simply handing out 2-1-1 fact sheets on where they can access services. Often times the city will cite the importance of “safety” for those living in the encampments or for the general public being the reason for these actions. We do not see this as a solution that is based with people’s safety in mind. We need to be moving towards housing for all- not shuffling the "problem" around. People who are houseless are not the problem: a lack of homes, services, and care for human dignity is the problem. As we push the city to enact real solutions, we need to recognize the dire reality of the upcoming winter: those who are unhoused are at great risk of freezing to death.

Needlepoint Sanctuary is holding this fundraiser in order to buy winterized tents, thermal sleeping bags and insulated clothing for those in need in the area. These funds will go directly towards purchasing these supplies- we will be delivering them to encampments throughout the coming months and distributing them in Pickering Square every Saturday from 1-3. If you would like to help, but are unable to donate at this time we are also doing a winter clothing drive every Saturday in Pickering Square from 1-3- we accept all winter items, canned goods, hand warmers, and would love your help distributing them if you'd like to volunteer. Please call us, email us, or send us a message on Facebook for more info.

We thank you so much for your donation, your money and resources will help to keep people comfortable and safe through the winter, you are doing your part as a community member! We love you!