City Council Proposes Funding To Aid Bangor's Winter Shelters

It was just two weeks ago, when the Union Street Brick Church in Bangor announced they would not be able to open their warming shelter this season due to a lack of funding. Officials with the ministry said they did not receive grant money they have come to rely on each season to heat the facility (which costs about $50K a winter) so the 70+ people that usually rely on those services every winter will have to find somewhere else to stay this year.

Bangor Homeless Warming Shelters, Cori Skall

This news came on the heels of an announcement by the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter earlier in the summer, that it would not be opening it's warming shelter, either.

Bangor Homeless Warming Shelters, Cori Skall

With the prospect of over a hundred unhoused folks in the Bangor area left to fend for themselves during Maine's cold winter nights, members of Bangor's City Council and City personnel have been working behind the scenes to figure out a solution. They recently came up with a plan they presented at the Bangor's Government Operations Committee meeting last Monday (October 6th).

Bangor City Hall, David Warren

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What they've come up with, according to the City of Bangor's Facebook Page, is a one-time grant of up to $60,000, that would help fund a shelter this season. But organizations have to apply.

"The City is encouraging nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to establish or expand a warming shelter that can open as early as Nov. 15, 2025, and operate through April 30, 2026. This is in response to the unexpected closure of warming centers in Bangor. The City Council has approved one-time funding from the General Assistance fund to help address unsheltered homelessness this winter. This action will help fill a critical gap for unhoused residents as winter approaches."
To find the application for the City of Bangor's Warming Shelter funding opportunity, you can click here.

Warming Shelters, TSM

All applications are due no later than 5 PM on Wednesday October 22nd, so they can get the funding dispersed in time for the beginning of November.

Absolute Top 10 Necessities To Survive A Maine Winter

As the tundra begins to freeze over and as Mainers begin their seasonal refuge to the bunker, there are a few necessities needed in order to successfully make it to the other side, where the palm trees reside.

So, take heed and pay attention to our advice, because these are the exact necessities that will ensure your survivability, mental good health, and that you’ll eventually see another summer season up to camp.

Gallery Credit: DJ Fred