Many demonstrators camping outside Portland City Hall wait out Tropical Storm Isaias
Portland city officials are concerned for the safety of demonstrators camping outside city hall as Maine feels the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias.
City Councilor Spencer Thibodeau said city staff and partner agencies went going tent to tent on Tuesday to pass out flyers and advising people to stay at city shelters during the storm.
However by Tuesday evening, it was clear many of the protesters were going to stay outside City Hall and wait out the storm.
The demonstrators were seen securing their tents and adding tarps.
Isaias is expected to bring rain and potential tropical-storm force winds to Maine Tuesday night.
The demonstrators have said in the past that they will remain outside city hall until the city decriminalizes camping for the homeless, sets up a day shelter, invests in overdose prevention and stops interfering with community groups providing food.
Portland currently has two adult shelters and one family shelter operating a limited capacity in order to maintain social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thibodeau said councilors discussed overflow options in case the shelters fill up but did not decide on an exact location.
“The winds could be driving. The wind is going to be heavy, so we just want to make sure people are safe, that they’re inside if possible in a socially distant way,” Thibodeau said.
Thibodeau said the city is also offered more than 100 hotel vouchers for people who need it.