Senate unanimously votes in favor of Sen. Libby bill to support youth homeless shelters

Posted: June 04, 2021 | Senator Libby, Uncategorized

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, the Maine Senate unanimously passed a bill from Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston. The bill, LD 1076, “An Act To Support the Operations of Youth Shelters in Maine,” would increase state funding for homeless youth shelters from $2 million annually to $2.5 million annually.

“Over the past few years, I have been working closely with three youth homeless shelters in the state to identify and address a few of their most pressing needs. This bill seeks to provide additional funding given that their appropriation had been curtailed and has remained flat for more than 15 years,” said Sen. Libby. “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for their strong support of this bill.”

As amended, LD 1076 would increase state funding for homeless youth shelters from $2 million annually to $2.5 million annually, which represents a restoration of the funds shelters received prior to 2005.

“LD 1076 will provide critical funding support to help Maine’s youth shelters keep the doors open, lights on, and remain fully staffed. Maine’s youth shelters and the staff that operate them serve as first responders for some of our most vulnerable youth and young adults in the state,” said Leah McDonald, Teen Services Director for Preble Street, a homeless shelter based in Portland. “The work done by these shelters is life-saving and transformative, but it is getting harder and harder for youth shelters to raise the funds needed to keep the doors open and hire the skilled workers needed to care for youth and young adults. While the operating costs of running a shelter have risen exponentially, the funding sources most shelters rely on have not. LD 1076 will provide a critically needed increase in funding allocation for these services.”

LD 1076 works in conjunction with a bill from Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, to address other youth homeless shelter concerns. LD 81, “An Act To Ensure the Safety of Children Experiencing Homelessness by Extending Shelter Placement Periods,” carries a provision that would expand the amount of time a minor can spend at an emergency shelter from 30 days to 90 days, which would give shelters more time to find safe and stable housing for the minor. 


LD 1076 faces further votes before the Senate and House.