Desperate Aid Agency Tries to Stem Flow of Immigrants

At Quality Inn, a family that had been living in Sanford for the past week awaits a bus ride to a Portland shelter. Photo: submitted By Lee Burnett, Submissions Editor The anti-poverty agency that has worked non-stop since last May to find housing for immigrants in Sanford sent out an urgent plea on Tuesday in an attempt to stem the influx. “At this time, I do not have housing availability for any new families arriving unannounced in Sanford,” read the…

Immigrant Support Network Reaches Out to Sanford

Nadege Kimbaumbu gets help from a volunteer at Fluff-N-Puff laundromat. Photo: Lee Burnett By Lee Burnett, Submissions editor An immigrant mentoring program in Portland is reaching out to volunteers in Sanford to see if there is interest in starting a program here. The Welcoming the Stranger Program, developed by the Maine Association of New Americans (MANA), matches community volunteers with asylum-seeking families to ease their transition to a new life. MANA supports 60 active matches in the Portland area and…

Council Approves Budgets for 2024/25 Tax Rate up $1.03

Sanford Fire Chief Scott Susi (at podium) answers questions from the City Council. Source: WSSR-TV By Zendelle Bouchard At its regular meeting on April 2, the City Council approved the combined municipal and school budget for the fiscal year 2024/25, which begins July 1. That is the last word on the municipal side of the budget; the school budget must be validated by voters on June 11. The net to be raised by taxation is $39,142,006, an increase of 8.34%…

City Council April 2 Meeting Summary

Mary Hastings updates the City Council on the renovations made to businesses in the city using the funds from the Façade Grant. Credit: City of Sanford By Renée Morin Mayor’s report  Mayor Becky Brink reported on the many positive developments in housing and new businesses over the past year.   Homelessness update  The Homelessness Task force last met on April 1. City Manager Steve Buck has identified “capacity issues” as an area of focus for the task force. The Lafayette…

News Notes

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan More than just watercolors are on display: Several local artists have their works on display at the Sanford Water District office. The public is invited to view the paintings, drawings, photographs and ink pieces that hang on the walls. People do not need to have business at the office to view the artwork, which will be on display for three months. Helping both Mother Earth and those in need: A clothing donation bin has been placed…

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