Category: Housing & Homelessness

Sanford Building Boom Still Not Enough

Photo: Government of Prince Edward Island By Lee Burnett, Submissions Editor Even as new homes are increasing faster than ever, city leaders are looking at ways to boost production. Two forums held last week addressed the housing shortage, particularly the housing that people of average means can afford. The City Council held a housing workshop Sept. 24 that highlighted the gravity and complexity of the crisis. The next evening, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee heard similar presentations and also considered…

Scammers Targeting Section 8 Applicants

Village View Apartments in Springvale Photo: Sanford Housing Authority By Zendelle Bouchard The Sanford Housing Authority wants to make the public aware of a scam targeting housing assistance applicants that has been circulating on social media channels including Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. The scam purports to expedite applications or reduce waiting list times for those seeking Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), formerly known as Section 8. The scam ads direct applicants to govassistance(dot)org, which is not a legitimate website. The…

Tenters Disperse, Outreach Continues

Public works crews start the cleanup of the former encampment. Photo: Lee Burnett By Lee Burnett, Submissions Editor Mental health outreach workers continue to be in touch with people uprooted by the closure of a large tent encampment in the Mill Yard this week, City Manager Steven Buck told the Sanford City Council this week. Dozens of people were uprooted by the long-announced closure that began Monday morning. Some 22 people accepted offers of assistance through the resource hub at…