People enjoy hot drinks and a warm space at Seeds of Hope last winter. Contributed / Vassie Fowler

As the colder months approach, Biddeford is enacting a plan to help those experiencing homelessness stay sheltered. 

Early this month, the city supported a grant from Maine Housing that will help provide funding for Seeds of Hope to continue their interim overnight warming center this winter. 

“We’re hoping to do more of what we’ve been doing,” Seeds of Hope Director Vassie Fowler said. 

The shelter will continue to work on a plan to shelter as many people as possible during the colder months, Fowler said.

Biddeford has been addressing the issue of homelessness seriously since July, when the city cleared a Water Street encampment that had been housing anywhere from 60 to over 100 people.

At the time, those who had been camping at Mechanics Park were encouraged to find shelter at Seeds of Hope, where they could find a place to sleep, meals, air conditioning, and a bathroom. 

Surrounding towns have also begun to address the issue of homelessness, though not necessarily with the answer of shelters.

Last month, Saco heard a final reading on an ordinance that would prohibit anyone from sleeping outside unless given permission by the landowner.

The city of Portland has also cleared several encampments this year – but Portland has several shelters open year round. Seeds of Hope is essentially the only “shelter” in the Biddeford and Saco area.

As a warming center, Seeds of Hope works with community partners to address poverty and promote personal growth. 

Last month, construction officially started to expand Seeds of Hope.

Funded with $800,000 by the city, construction will allow Seeds of Hope to expand to accommodate approximately 60 people in the building’s previous worship hall.

Construction is expected to take up to 18 months to complete. 

Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman told the Courier that the city is also continuing to explore an expanded connection with Shaker Hill Partnerships and other regional partners in order to provide longer term solutions for the unhoused. 

“By working together, we aim to address the root causes of homelessness and create more sustainable, long term solutions for the unhoused population,” Grohman said.