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Gardiner officials describe local outreach to two unhoused individuals; agencies coordinate services
Summary
Chief Pillsbury and the General Assistance Director said officers regularly check on two people in town, local agencies (KBH and Sweetser) are engaged in outreach, and general assistance can provide vouchers and allowances though residents must be willing to accept help.
Gardiner Police Chief Todd Pillsbury and Angelia Christopher, the city’s General Assistance Director, described coordinated local efforts to check on and assist two unhoused individuals the city monitors.
Chief Pillsbury said officers know the two people and check on them frequently; one is not sleeping outdoors and the other is known to officers but declines offers to go to warming centers. “We check on that. We probably talk to or try to talk to or check on them daily,” Chief Pillsbury said, describing outreach and offers of shelter transportation.
Angelia Christopher said local service providers (KBH and Sweetser) are engaging with the individuals and that general assistance can provide vouchers for food and allowances for heating and electricity; she noted an eligibility framework set by the state and that the city is typically reimbursed for a portion of benefits. When asked about assistance caps, Christopher said one-person maximum assistance aligns with SSI levels and noted the city is reimbursed 70% for general assistance payments, meaning the city covers the remaining 30%.
Councilors and residents praised local churches and community organizations that have helped provide clothing, food and other support. No new policy or funding changes were approved at the meeting; the discussion highlighted existing service arrangements and active outreach.
