LEWISTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — People who call the streets their home are more than fed up with long waiting lists for housing assistance.

Homeless advocates spoke out in Lewiston about the need for more Section 8 vouchers. Homeless Voices For Justice collected letters from the homeless throughout the state. The Christmas wishes for more afforable housing help are being sent to members of Maine’s congressional delegation, Governor Baldaccie, the HUD secretary and President Obama.

Right now, there are nearly 15,000 Mainers waiting for vouchers, some have been on the list for almost 5 years.

Vicki Collins has been living in a shelter in Augusta since she lost her telecommunications job last year. Collins says she was told there may some assistance available sometime next year. She says for many like herself that is too long to live in a shelter.

Homeless advocates say many housing authorities close their waiting lists when they are not able to help people in a reasonable amount of time.