In Portland, Lewiston, and other communities in our state there are efforts underway to help asylum seekers and other immigrants new to our state. These are folks who have come here seeking a better life. They await government processing, which is incredibly slow, so they can work and begin productive lives. Eventually, they get housing but nothing else. They need everything from beds, tables and chairs, to pots and pans, everything one needs to furnish a
home as well as TVs. TVs are one of the best ways they can begin to learn English. Many of these people sleep on the floor and have very young children who do so as well.

Several small groups, some church based, have risen to the challenge of procuring and delivering furniture and household goods to those in great need. The smiles on their faces and the gratitude they express are wonderful affirmations that this work is important and meaningful. And you can help.

The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club and Restore both accept donated goods from anyone needing to downsize, but neither organizations accepts beds or TVs and these are the very items asylum seekers need the most. If you have things the asylum seekers could use, please contact Shawn Lewin at 478-5874. Shawn has been delivering goods to people for several weeks now, and the need is still great. Shawn also welcomes anyone interested in helping with this effort by transporting goods, providing storage venues or otherwise working with him.