Summary of Nov. 19th Downtown Safety Meeting
On November 19, 2025, Heart of Biddeford convened downtown businesses and community partners—including the Biddeford Police Department, Office of General Assistance, Seeds of Hope, the York County District Attorney’s Office, McArthur Library, and the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition—to strengthen shared understanding around downtown safety and our neighbors who are unhoused.
The discussion focused on the complexity of homelessness and the many systems involved in responding:
• The distinction between chronic and situational homelessness.
• The impacts of mental health challenges, trauma, and substance misuse.
• The pressures facing small businesses when customers feel uncomfortable or intimidated.
• The strain on police departments nationwide as they are asked to solve broad societal issues without enough staffing.
• The diverse local supports that exist—from Seeds of Hope’s daytime hospitality space, food assistance programs, and the overnight center, to other food assistance programs, to the Police Department’s substance use liaison, housing resources, and the library’s role as a safe, welcoming space.
• The ongoing imbalance created when nearby communities do not offer comparable services, increasing pressure on Biddeford’s resources.
Participants reiterated the value of HOB’s “No Loitering / Where to Get or Give Help” signs and resource lists as one constructive, compassionate tool for guiding people toward available services. Throughout the conversation, partners emphasized people-first language, reducing stigma, and remembering the individuality and dignity of neighbors who are unstably housed. The tone of the meeting was collaborative, appreciative, and grounded in pride for Biddeford’s compassionate, multi-layered approach.
HOB’s Next Steps:
• Re-distribute the “No Loitering / Where to Get or Give Help” signs and resource lists, adding the library’s volunteer opportunities.
• Advocate with the City Manager, Mayor-elect, and Council for a regional approach to services, encouraging all York County communities to share responsibility for supporting unhoused neighbors.
• Research 3–5 best practices for Downtown Ambassador programs (e.g., Portland Downtown) and pursue grants—possibly jointly with Seeds of Hope and the Police Department—to explore a friendly, non-enforcement ambassador role whose positive presence helps visitors feel welcome and safe, while providing a simple way to call for help if needed.
• Attend a facilitated meeting with McArthur Library, nearby businesses, and unhoused community members to explore possible adjustments that preserve an outdoor gathering space while improving comfort for visitors who feel intimidated walking past groups they perceive to be intimidating or they see using substances.
• Help reduce stigma by partnering with Seeds of Hope, the library, and local service providers, using HOB’s communications and business conversations to remind the community that many unhoused neighbors are not dangerous, while also working together to acknowledge real substance use challenges and ensure people have appropriate support and boundaries.
• Help raise awareness of open Police Department positions, encouraging community members to consider careers as officers or community service officers.