The housing crisis in Rockland, Maine, has reached a critical point, and it's time we address how it was allowed to get this bad. In the last 52 weeks, homelessness in Rockland has risen by 10% and continues to rise at breakneck speeds. 
 
As someone who has been without stable housing for over a year, I've seen first hand how the system fails those in need. Despite having funds for a security deposit initially, I found myself spending it on temporary accommodations due to the lack of immediate assistance. This pattern is all too common.
 
The lack of affordable housing, coupled with gentrification, has made it nearly impossible for low-income families to find a place to live. The shortage of wintertime shelters and the lack of zoning for transitional housing exacerbate the problem. Additionally, we need more medical facilities accepting Mainecare, especially specialized care, and more immediate access to mental health services.
 
What makes this situation even more challenging is the double standard imposed on those experiencing homelessness. As a self-employed gig worker and a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, I am expected to meet strict deadlines, attend meetings, and adhere to numerous parameters just to qualify for any assistance. Meanwhile, the state often fails to meet its own deadlines and provides little understanding or flexibility. This double standard is not just unfair; it is dehumanizing.
 
While those in need are held to stringent standards and immediate expectations, the state’s failure to provide timely and effective support forces many into prolonged homelessness, creating a cycle that is hard to break. This hypocrisy only adds to the struggle of those already in dire situations.
 
The residents of Rockland deserve better. We need increased funding for affordable housing, flexible support for self-employed and gig workers, and policies that prioritize prompt and compassionate assistance. It’s time we hold our local government accountable to ensure everyone has a safe and affordable place to live.
 
 
Courtney Cypher lives in Rockland