[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6258731,"mediaKeyId","3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c","parentId",3145807,"title","Public health updates: West Nile/EEE detections, HIV cluster linked to injection drug use, needle pickup hotline and flu clinics","audioSeconds",1221,"startMs",5223000,"endMs",6444000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c&start=5223&end=6444","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c/thumbnail_5223000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6258731/Maine/Public-health-updates-West-NileEEE-detections-HIV-cluster-linked-to-injection-drug-use-needle-pickup-hotline-and-flu-clinics","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258731-3aef441b840a9323a1fa95b36961d595/orig.mp4?Expires=1771061511&Signature=dS6VPX7GEFxoXIiJgABpBSxiyCewdP8QpC~Riuoa0NMKzbwq53qU-hYXAHSB7EytKBwxaEplhmq6zRLuWbjBBLQU2du47NswQqp7fO~z5i5zsSwOf~5vCGN8J6G8sU3H2ht5pD34QJsgGJO~TaN8lY2CJOFDGad63noKkfaf21Bk3ZLaZybWn7O6C03ennA0t2KBAQyFIWZa~JiH5b4Jx6~1OLUTZVwkNTSa7r7y6KxmdgRhGX2EqWsScIhn5lTy0fNNOO4tipdCfxBsjK6z-PvGvSER~BYVVarUkB5qkscA5IpoBIt938DZcyOEo3hHfXh4udOXPrMNgPOmbb0C1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-29T14:14:42.937Z","article","The city’s public health director briefed the Government Operations Committee on Sept. 4 about infectious-disease surveillance, local service access and emerging public-health responses.

On mosquito-borne disease, the director said a crow in Bangor tested positive for West Nile virus in July and an Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detection was reported in Penobscot County in mid-August. Officials said there is no current federal indication of a statewide surge but reminded residents to reduce mosquito exposure (avoid dusk/dawn activity, use repellents, remove standing water).

On HIV, the director said Maine CDC is publicly reporting an HIV cluster affecting the Bangor area. As of the update, Maine CDC lists 13 confirmed cases connected to the cluster; the city’s briefing said all 13 report injection drug use as a risk factor, all 13 are co-infected with hepatitis C, and 11 of 13 reported being unhoused in the prior 12 months. The public-health director said the state has established an incident command/unified command structure at DHHS and invited local participation; the Maine CDC provides weekly updates on the cluster.

The director addressed community concerns about discarded needles and said the city has a contract with HEAL to pick up sharps on private property; the public-health office is reviewing needle-waste needs and will expand education and signage. Staff said they can provide posters and hotline information for parks and public spaces where needle pickups are reported.

Public-health staff noted walk-in clinic hours (Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–noon) at the public health clinic for immunizations and sexually transmitted infection testing; flu clinics are being scheduled at schools and for city employees. The department also reported it will hire performance-management support with existing infrastructure funds and will return to the council with a more detailed plan on opiate settlement funds.

Councilors asked about outreach to newly arrived refugee families; public-health staff said the department provides immunizations and is planning culturally and linguistically appropriate education sessions in coordination with Catholic Charities.

Committee members asked for clearer signage and outreach about how to report needles and for continued state partnership on the HIV response. Staff said they will follow up on the needle-pickup signage and provide links to the Maine CDC cluster page.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Government Operations Committee - 9/4/24","oneSentenceSummary","The city’s public health director told the committee of West Nile and EEE detections in the area, an HIV cluster of 13 confirmed cases linked to injection drug use and homelessness, existing needle-pickup arrangements, and walk-in flu and STI services at the public health clinic.","taxTitle","Government Operations Committee, Bangor City, Penobscot County, Maine","taxId",69277,"location","Maine","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6258736,"City to apply for $400,000 pilot to hire housing navigator and stabilization supports",528,4305000,4833000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c&start=4305&end=4833","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c/thumbnail_4305000.jpg","/articles/6258736/Maine/City-to-apply-for-400000-pilot-to-hire-housing-navigator-and-stabilization-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258736-8f95289f77eddbab99b85362ae55a2fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771061511&Signature=RmhyXRZANOqSTvxNJO07Z-OAmkJ5bTVp17FnOdg3Mx8O0YVnd9tBtBa-NxRZz5pgY4ZyLitFGG~07oVg1-FXHsRAINxU4UQ2XTWz-E4jkdnmB~tZrsOCA-WFMTJlYoA80K5KPR2m~Wo3FIK88uWGZSul0EUS3utoP~l9aEFikhx9gkBTs3knz-gRMhP-Cs0a3BrueKSm7qnanVSCujzQ-vUlrTV5ah0~RGis7PBfMJRJCrNBZO5Ldu5wCAMxUkXlnLxN0EY8qJD3sOwCGj1p7m1-xLRusDS~yRmtt4Sf7by78fHq~zmLhS5yoynb0h7PYc1011BLQPnUwreKTWbNTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Government Operations Committee on Sept. 4 they will apply for a $400,000, two-year grant opportunity to fund a pilot housing navigation and stabilization program aimed at increasing successful transitions from homelessness into stable housing.

The proposal, presented by city staff, would hire one full-time housing navigator and set discretionary stabilization funds to cover one-time needs such as security deposits, basic furnishings and short-term assistance intended to reduce recidivism to homelessness. Staff said the navigator would coordinate with outreach providers, shelters and public-health teams, help cultivate landlord relationships and serve as a single point-of-contact for property owners providing units to people transitioning from homelessness.

Councilors asked about the program’s sustainability and evaluation. Staff said the application requires a program start early in 2025 and that the city has a draft program design ready to implement if the grant is awarded. The pilot includes planned evaluation checkpoints and feedback mechanisms so staff and councilors can assess performance during the two-year period. Council members asked about continuation post-pilot; staff said they would seek additional grants or local funding if the demonstration proves successful.

A motion to approve applying for the grant and submit the application was moved and seconded; the committee approved the application (no objection recorded on the meeting record). Staff said they will return with details on the application and program if the council votes to authorize submission at the full council meeting (the item proceeded through committee action this night).","City staff moved and committee approved a resolution to apply for a $400,000 two-year grant to fund a housing navigator position and stabilization funds to help formerly unhoused people keep housing and build landlord relationships.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6258741,"Maine Housing and city staff show Hub 7 HMIS data, cite outreach staffing and housing shortages as key gaps",2723,1534000,4257000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c&start=1534&end=4257","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c/thumbnail_1534000.jpg","/articles/6258741/Maine/Maine-Housing-and-city-staff-show-Hub-7-HMIS-data-cite-outreach-staffing-and-housing-shortages-as-key-gaps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258741-cb0f6dd7bde575c3a8cb3ee5d3d08d69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771061512&Signature=nxvSdX7Q62IiKL4feyQoKuqj6n-YtOOpg6auZofzrBZVlsfurWbpvs3R7k87~IrqxIVQp9PtdPy9KYCFDk8JfDr274O2O6Ulzl3w~sr~xqi8FFbXzjkpnerxnabBhbbo0IqgX8TnqMxrebieufXuDw6Kk09YQ8LFXt0TMFxAdxvN43U-N-QXhTuJ4rcJFIW7d64YLI-Aju3IwcDre0aWanndjxmpFYiKYa7hitaOiWXYGG50oMDpsj2uVEPnwEpCAuVYVFx1iJsseQqBawHCk7KL~Ok9X~q0-n7QsMIAPCoKi4T9a0r7~uAUGL3fMsplRcpRU5NdWjkn861TSpByzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maine Housing staff told the Government Operations Committee on Sept. 4 that Hub 7’s coordinated entry and data work are identifying gaps in outreach and shelter-to-housing pathways even as the community builds toward the Built for Zero data quality milestone.

Tara Hembry and Kelly Watson of Maine Housing presented HMIS-derived statistics and an update on Hub 7 (Penobscot and Piscataquis counties). They said coordinated entry, launched locally in October 2022, has recorded 1,155 assessments representing 1,044 unduplicated individuals. Since the assessment start date there have been 723 recorded exits from coordinated entry, including 302 to permanent housing and 259 classified as “unknown/no exit interview.”

Hub 7 staff reported 432 people marked active in coordinated entry at the time of the presentation and a July-derived count of about 548 people considered actively homeless in the hub. The presenters singled out the corporate-drive encampment: coordinated-entry records show about 98 people associated with that site while an operational list used by outreach teams contained about 92 names; both numbers were described as fluid.

Maine Housing staff and the Hub 7 coordinator, Jen, told the committee the city runs a permanent supportive housing voucher program (formerly Shelter Plus Care, locally called Vanguard in other sections of the meeting) and that three Bangor shelters enter data to HMIS: Shaw House (youth), Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and PCHC’s Hope House. For January–August 2024 the combined shelter count in the HMIS extract was about 450 persons served; the city-run outreach program had 25 persons served and the city rental assistance program had 24 households recorded during that period (reporting showed 109 adults and 15 children associated with rental-assistance households in the HMIS extract).

Presenters warned that HMIS figures understate outreach because some providers do not yet feed all data into HMIS and because PATH (the balance-of-state outreach contract) and city outreach responsibilities overlap. They said the coordinated-entry system was performing its analytic role by highlighting where the system lacks capacity: outreach is not yet mapped and regularly assessed to reach an estimated 90 percent of unsheltered people; policies are incomplete for changing a person’s status to inactive and for handling institutional stays of different durations; and many exits lack follow-up.

Panelists and councilors discussed programmatic responses that show early promise elsewhere: prevention-focused housing-problem-solving efforts, rapid rehousing, landlord engagement, and housing-first construction with DHHS-supported services for people with very high needs. Presenters said the hub hopes to reach Built for Zero data quality within the year and requested continued council attention and data-sharing so city and state staff can coordinate on outreach and housing placement strategies.

Committee members repeatedly asked for more granular, Bangor-specific numbers and for regular updates; presenters said they will supply more detailed, parsed reports that incorporate PATH and other balance-of-state data in future briefings.","Maine Housing officials and the hub coordinator presented HMIS and Built for Zero progress for Hub 7. Coordinated entry has produced 1,155 assessments since Oct. 2022 but capacity gaps, many unknown exits and limited outreach staffing prevent reliable by-name coverage of unsheltered people.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6258746,"Catholic Charities outlines refugee resettlement, employment and housing challenges in Bangor",0,2810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c&start=2810&end=2810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145807-9baf17bba42f28dc56f2b428002d5b9c/thumbnail_2810000.jpg","/articles/6258746/Maine/Catholic-Charities-outlines-refugee-resettlement-employment-and-housing-challenges-in-Bangor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258746-efa1d83680a92a63f71f297c75c2266b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771061512&Signature=aiSidRB9T9w2gNj-LrHUHBkxdPOgLAy-uUXjfudMrahuJGI8G3eOpKuivtn83WguJ7LZ31mDOhtLEa6ns-ZnrExq6J7UCT8ZYooEVqKDb1xeILxc055mK9EqCAxL850dLphzbdno2u5UylgEAjI-Gf2EsGOk6iMNBXpBr9yL0HnLpo-dpjFvGwShKk239He5h14IHBfy0-SmDugV0aZKqFODrDnEN5OufKxe8sjk6yAfpKSsOzfJJFONa9ENsUw2zLMRs-k~M3kcYrcp8bkvsf1-Xp1jKnPLj2q580cw3Cwqerfjc-czwNZoTrxewwjL9e9dydXSHFNRR3Q~Z8zCVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Catholic Charities Maine told the Government Operations Committee on Sept. 4 that its Bangor-area office has resettled dozens of refugees over the past fiscal year and plans to increase placements next year, but stressed that local housing availability remains the primary constraint.

The presentation, led by Melissa Bogos, assistant director of the agency’s Refugee and Immigration Services program, and supported by CEO Steve Letourneau, said the Bangor office provides short-term reception and longer-term refugee support services. The agency reported it expected to resettle 100 people in the previous fiscal year and had processed 84 arrivals as of early August; it said it hopes to resettle about 150 individuals in the coming fiscal year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30).

Bogos said refugees made up about 87 percent of the Bangor caseload, with other clients including Cuban-Haitian entrants, Ukrainian humanitarian parolees and asylees. The two largest countries of origin for people served were Venezuela and Syria; Spanish and Arabic were the most common preferred languages. Age breakdowns for Bangor clients showed a majority of adults 18–64 (about 60 percent), roughly 30 percent school-age children and about 10 percent ages 0–4. The Bangor office serves Penobscot County and also covers surrounding communities within a 100-mile radius.

The agency reported employment results as a strong outcome: of 64 adults identified as employable, staff recorded 56 job placements (about 87 percent), working with roughly 22 employers including Sodexo, 3 Point Cleaning and Eastern Basements.

Committee members asked how many arrivals actually settle in Bangor versus surrounding towns. Bogos said placements depend on available, affordable housing and that many families are placed in nearby communities such as Brewer, Old Town and Orono. She said family composition reduces the number of housing units needed compared with individuals: a large caseload of 100 people often equals far fewer dwelling units because many arrive in families.

Speakers stressed that refugee resettlement is arranged by the federal government; local agencies work under federal referral and support the community integration process. Committee members and agency staff also discussed landlord relationships, where agency staff said many landlords take standard market rent and that outreach, education and community ties have encouraged some landlords to offer units.

Bogos and Letourneau listed community-integration strategies they use: employment and workforce development, flexible English classes, financial literacy, landlord engagement and “pacing” arrivals across months to avoid sudden spikes. They said January–February produced a surge of arrivals and that a pacing pilot is intended to smooth the flow.

The presentation closed with committee members commending community support and asking staff to return with materials and further details.","Catholic Charities Maine told the Government Operations Committee it resettled dozens of refugees in the Bangor area last year, placed most employable adults into work, and flagged housing shortages and misinformation as the main barriers to future arrivals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public health updates: West Nile/EEE detections, HIV cluster linked to injection drug use, needle pickup hotline and flu clinics

City to apply for $400,000 pilot to hire housing navigator and stabilization supports

Maine Housing and city staff show Hub 7 HMIS data, cite outreach staffing and housing shortages as key gaps

Catholic Charities outlines refugee resettlement, employment and housing challenges in Bangor