Asylum seekers moving into Saco hotel, school district concerned about costs
SACO (WGME) -- Asylum-seeking families are starting to move into a hotel in Saco.
About 300 people, including dozens of children, are expected to arrive there by mid-September.
"It's really an honor to be part of this work," Julie Allaire with Catholic Charities Maine said. "This is a new opportunity for Catholic Charities, [which] has a lot of experience resettling refugees."
Catholic Charities Maine will provide case management to asylum seekers at a hotel in Saco. Staff will help with everything from finding English lessons to signing up for assistance.
"We'll also help them with accurate information so when they file their asylum applications, they'll have good guidance," Allaire said.
MaineHousing says the hotel and services will cost about $5 million, which is paid for through a portion of the state's supplemental budget for emergency housing. A spokesperson said the hotel rooms are being acquired below the federally-set per diem rate.
The hope is that people will use this time productively.
"Really get their feet under them so that when housing is located for them, they'll be able to make a smoother transition than if they didn't have these supportive services," Allaire said.
About 125 students are expected to join the Saco district this coming school year, though that could change. It's anticipated to impact class size, staffing, transportation and more.
It’s estimated to cost $1.2 million to take in these additional students, which the school district has not budgeted for.
"There's no plan for additional funding coming our way?" Saco School Board Member Kevin Lafortune said.
District officials confirmed that was correct for now. State officials are trying to find ways to help the district.
Superintendent Jeremy Ray says it likely will not be enough.
"I think that as we move through the increase process there are going to be local tax dollars that will need to be spent to support these students," Ray said.
Voters just approved the district's budget for the upcoming year and it does not include funding for the additional students. Ray says they were informed in early May that negotiations were happening with the hotel, but nothing had been finalized. By the time any contract was put in place, the budget had already gone through the city council process and was ready for voters.
The superintendent says he's now working with city officials to figure out the best way forward.
"Our goal is to make sure we are welcoming, that we have the ability to program correctly and do everything that can support all students in our district," Ray said.