In response to as many as 300 asylum seekers arriving in Portland in early June, the University of Southern Maine offered to house up to 200 people in a Gorham Campus dorm until August 3. Portland City Manager Jon Jennings, however, declined the offer because “the city has decided to focus on providing more long-term housing alternatives,” but added that he was “so appreciative of the USM offer.”

In a message to the USM community, President Glenn Cummings thanked those “who worked so hard to figure out how we could do this and many others who offered to volunteer once families arrived.”

On June 19, representatives from five local communities who are members of The Metro Regional Council (MRC), a working group of The Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), met to discuss how their towns could aid the asylum seekers. They plan to reach out to landlords and developers in their communities to find vacant housing for about 60 families still at the Expo in Portland. Town Council member Virginia Wilder-Cross represented Gorham at the meeting. She said, “As soon as we know what the specific needs are, the Town of Gorham is prepared to assist.”

Most asylum seekers are from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola and fled violence in their home countries. They arrived at the U.S. border and are legally free to move around the country while they seek asylum in the immigration courts. A 1994 immigration law prohibits them from working until they are granted asylum, or until 180 days after they make application.

MRC is investigating offers from residents of surrounding towns to take in families while their asylum cases are being processed. In addition, some communities are tapping their tight General Assistance budgets for aid. Governor Janet Mills has given assurance that the state will offer some assistance, but there is concern about the cost to taxpayers. However, donations to non-profits from individuals, organizations, and some municipalities are assisting with the emergency response.