BANGOR (WGME) -- Bangor city workers have cleaned up a homeless encampment near the waterfront.
City officials said they want the camp cleared in part because of the coming winter. Assistant City Manager Courtney O’Donnell said emergency workers won’t be able to access the area when snow and ice arrives.
More than a dozen people lived next to the Penobscot River under the Interstate 395 bridge that goes from Bangor to Brewer.
Some people who lived in the camp say they're not sure where they will go.
Terry Dinkins, a pastor at the Mansion Church, has been providing resources to the homeless.
“People should show compassion. They are human beings. So, we are very blessed to do that as a church. I'm challenging other pastors in our area to really consider opening their building up or contact me so we can figure out how you can help also,” said Dinkins.
Police say people in the camp are cooperating and the city's outreach staff and homeless coordinator were there to help.
The executive director of the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter has said there are likely more unsheltered homeless residents in Bangor now than there have ever been.