Biddeford, Saco chosen for national homeless response network
Biddeford and Saco Select for National Homelessness Initiative
Biddeford and Saco have been chosen to join a national effort aimed at strengthening how cities address homelessness in their communities. The two municipalities announced Friday that they will participate in The Homeless Response Peer Network, a program administered by the Housing Solutions Lab at New York University. The selection places them among just seven communities nationwide to receive free technical assistance, research-driven housing and policy expertise, and access to proven strategies from across the country.
The initiative arrives as local leaders face mounting pressure to respond to homelessness with limited resources. Jess Wunsch, director of city engagement at the NYU lab, said the peer network is designed to give communities the tools needed to identify gaps and build more resilient response systems.
“This Peer Network gives these communities the space, tools and national expertise needed to identify existing gaps and build more resilient, high-impact homeless response systems,” Wunsch said.
For Biddeford, the selection reflects years of local investment. In 2024, the city removed a homeless encampment at Mechanics Park, citing health and safety concerns. Around the same time, Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center opened as a temporary overnight shelter on South Street. Since then, the organization has expanded its capacity by renovating the facility’s old church sanctuary to accommodate more people. Seeds of Hope has also taken on operation of the only family shelter in York County, which closed after 45 years last year. Beyond providing overnight space, the organization has partnered with the city to help unhoused residents access services and treatment aimed at addressing the root causes of chronic homelessness. Jake Hammer, Biddeford’s general assistance administrator, noted in April that Seeds of Hope remains the primary driver in moving people into independent housing.
Saco’s involvement stems from the reality that homelessness does not respect municipal boundaries. Mayor Jodi MacPhail said representing both cities together allows for a broader impact.
“We are proud to represent Maine together and look forward to putting what we learn to work for our residents,” she said.
Carter Friend, CEO of York County Community Action Corporation, praised the leadership shown by both cities. He said addressing housing instability requires a combination of municipal leadership, university expertise, and the on-the-ground experience of service providers.
“Municipal leadership, university expertise, and the experience of organizations working directly with people facing housing instability all have an important role,” Friend said. “We are excited to see this investment in our region.”
Over the coming months, Biddeford and Saco will take part in six structured sessions through the peer network. The collaboration will give them direct access to national best practices and a framework for strengthening their local homeless response systems. Mayor Liam LaFountain said the partnership will help bring proven approaches home and enhance the cities’ ability to serve residents in need.
“This partnership will help us bring national best practices home and strengthen our response to homelessness across southern Maine,” he wrote.
The initiative marks a step toward coordinated, research-backed action on a challenge that continues to affect communities up and down the coast. By combining local effort with national expertise, Biddeford and Saco aim to create lasting change for residents facing housing instability.
