The Rise of Portland’s Unhoused Population: A Growing Challenge for Businesses
Portland, Maine, has seen a surge in its unhoused population over the past few years, creating a host of challenges for the city’s businesses and community. This increase has been fueled by a shortage of affordable housing, the end of pandemic-related rental assistance, and the arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers. As of early 2024, the city was sheltering around 1,200 people nightly, with many more living on the streets or in makeshift
Despite ongoing efforts to address the problem, Portland’s homeless shelters are at capacity, and businesses are feeling the impact.
Business owners had raised concerns about safety, theft, and vandalism. However, many of the individuals displaced by the clearing had nowhere else to go, as the city’s shelters were already full. This was followed by another controversial sweep at Deering Oaks Park, where tensions between the unhoused and local businesses reached a breaking point.
GuardSafe Security’s Community-Focused Approach
Recognizing the increasing complexity of Portland’s homeless crisis, GuardSafe Security developed a new approach to security guard services. Since its inception, GuardSafe has been training its staff to become community outreach security specialists, focusing on de-escalation and humane treatment. Our security guards undergo rigorous training that emphasizes the importance of non-violence, and physical intervention is always the last resort.
In one instance, a GuardSafe outreach specialist was called to de-escalate a situation outside a local business. An individual struggling with mental illness and homelessness was causing a disturbance, leading the business owner to call for assistance. Rather than approaching the situation with force, the GuardSafe security guard calmly engaged the person in conversation, offering resources and support. The individual was able to move along without further incident, highlighting the power of respectful and humane intervention.
Many of Portland’s unhoused residents are dual-diagnosed with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, meaning that traditional security approaches often fail to address the root of the problem. GuardSafe understands this and trains its guards to handle these complex situations with compassion.
The Business Impact and GuardSafe’s Solutions
Portland businesses have been deeply affected by the city’s growing homeless population. Property damage, vandalism, and theft are common complaints, and employees often feel unsafe when arriving at or leaving work. GuardSafe Security offers business protection services specifically designed to address these concerns. By providing unarmed security guards trained in community outreach, GuardSafe ensures that businesses remain safe while upholding the dignity and respect of the unhoused individuals they encounter.
Portland’s ongoing struggles with homelessness have led to citywide debates about how best to handle the issue. Many believe that more compassionate solutions are necessary to truly address the problem. GuardSafe Security is proud to be part of the solution, offering security services that prioritize both safety and humanity.
For businesses looking for a security solution that focuses on de-escalation, community outreach, and humane treatment, GuardSafe offers tailored services to meet the specific needs of Portland’s rapidly changing environment.









