Dear Elected Official,

I am a life long resident of Maine, growing up and raising my own family in greater Portland. Over my 48 years in this city, I have watched services and supports ebb and flow for our marginalized communities, as they do, depending on funding, program availability, and the overall societal concern to either help or the flawed expectations of people to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps”.  We are Mainers, right? We are wicked tough.

Now, I’m in a different position and looking at this problem through a different lens. I am a a social work graduate student at the University of Maine, and I work within the social service system. Every day, I talk to people who need some sort of help, whether it’s mental health support, housing, substance abuse treatment or getting providers into place, such as therapists, case management, or in home supports. Mobile crisis teams all across the state work tirelessly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure safety and provide connection to services people need to no longer be in crisis. Often, individuals encounter many barriers when attempting to access these services, finding there are long waiting lists, no housing vouchers, no affordable housing in their area, shelters are full, there are no beds in crisis stabilization units, no access to substance abuse treatment that is affordable or even attainable, etc. etc.

Lack of services and resources creates a very dangerous hamster wheel – people feel helpless, hopeless for change, do not believe there is help for them, some are suicidal or engage in various forms of self harm, and some people take action on these suicidal thoughts because they cannot see a way out of the situation they are in.

Helping Mainers identify coping skills to tolerate the systemic marginalization and oppression by a social service system that is directing them to resources that are not available – is not a sustainable way to help people, and to help Maine thrive over the long term. 

Now, I have genuine concern for the viability of the services that ARE currently available. The federal cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, elimination of DEI programs, and the Department of Education WILL have a negative effect on programs and services we are able to offer at the state and local level. I understand wanting to “cut the fat”.  However, these cuts are extremely shortsighted. There will be a trickle down effect, and I fear that will negatively impact our most vulnerable communities, right here in Maine.

I ask you to PLEASE consider how your vote and influence can impact those who have boots on the ground back home. We desperately need your support, and to be a leader who will stand up for us. Can you help?

Sincerely,

The State of Maine