Homelessness was increasingly visible throughout Maine last year. It’s a key concern as advocates and community members have held vigils for the people who died and protested multiple encampment sweeps, particularly in Portland.

Solving homelessness is complex. It’s an issue compounded by high housing costs, financial instability and limited resources to address mental health and substance use disorders. Local organizations are working on the crisis every day by offering warm shelter and resources to as many as they can.

But they can’t do it alone.

The budget Gov. Janet Mills signed last July included funding for a model to address chronic homelessness called housing first.

Few other states have formally taken this approach, said Jonny Kurzfeld, director of planning and research for Maine State Housing Authority, but the existing research on housing first is “overwhelmingly positive.” However, it is a long-term solution, so the state won’t see instant results.

“For the legislature and the governor’s office, it’s an investment in Maine’s future,” Kurzfeld said.