FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 8AM-5PM
TOMMY’S PARK, PORTLAND

On Friday, June 17 from 8am-5pm, Homeless Voices for Justice (HVJ) will be at Tommy’s Park in Portland for the 15th Annual Longest Day of Homelessness Sit-out, to draw attention to the fact that homelessness is tragic no matter the season.

At 12pm, HVJ members and elected officials ― including Portland City Councilor Victoria Pelletier ― will speak about their experiences with homelessness and the work they have been doing to address homelessness at the state and city level. Representatives from Homeless Advocacy for All, Maine Equal Justice, Maine Green Party, Maine Homeless Legal Project, Portland Public Health Harm Reduction Services, and Preble Street will be tabling throughout the event.

Each year, the HVJ sit-out coincides with the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year. During the summer months, unsheltered individuals are at risk of potentially deadly heat, dehydration, and exposure. The recent affordable housing crisis and lack of dignified shelter space has exacerbated this problem in recent years.

Community members are invited to join Homeless Voices for Justice and share conversation with people experiencing homelessness. All are welcome. HVJ believes that emphasizing the visibility of homelessness can serve as a reminder of the discussions, practices, and policies needed to keep Portland and the state of Maine a welcoming and inclusive place for all.