PORTLAND (WGME) — Homeless advocates held a “sit out” to raise awareness in Portland.

Many people supporting the effort at Tommy’s Park Tuesday morning are experiencing homelessness themselves.

For the last nine years, advocates with the group Homeless Voices for Justice have come together around the longest day of the year to let people know homelessness is an issue during winter and summer.

One man says it’s important that people remember homeless men and women are people too.

“Don’t look at us like we’re just nothing because we are human. Ask us if we’re okay. Sometimes, just offering us a coffee is great,” Wayne Dubar, chronically homeless, said.

Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling spoke with folks participating. He says he’ll share what he’s learning with city officials at a housing committee meeting Wednesday.