Rachel Ohm

Press Herald

Rachel covers K-12 schools, higher education and statewide education issues for the Press Herald. She previously covered Franklin and Somerset counties for the Morning Sentinel in Waterville and higher education at the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee. Prior to her arrival in Maine, Rachel spent time in New York City and earned a master’s degree in journalism from New York University. A native of upstate New York, she loves the outdoorsy life in Maine and spends as much time hiking and exploring the coast as possible.

Latest

Published
June 22, 2023

These 4 asylum seekers spent months sleeping on the streets of Portland

Private fundraising efforts are helping the men find shelter for now, but they worry about their long-term housing options as city shelters remain full.
Published
May 31, 2023

State extends use of Saco hotel as transitional housing for asylum seekers

In its first year, the hotel has housed 440 people at a cost of $5.1 million. The state is hoping to keep it open through the end of next year.
Published
May 30, 2023

Developer seeking new site to create shelter for asylum seekers

Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative said that 90 Blueberry Road in Portland ‘didn’t work out for a number of reasons’ and is no longer being considered for a 280-bed shelter.
Published
May 18, 2023

Could Maine’s college dorms help solve the homelessness crisis?

A group of advocates and officials said Thursday that they will ask the state to look into opening unused dorms for temporary housing.
Published
May 16, 2023

‘Nowhere to go’: Dozens of homeless people displaced as city clears Bayside Trail encampment

The people who had been camping in the more than 80 tents along the trail packed up their belongings in shopping carts and plastic bags and went in search of a new place to live.
Published
May 16, 2023

Federal asylum rule change could affect flow of new immigrants into Maine

Title 42 ended last week, but the Biden administration has implemented a new rule that advocates say will continue to restrict people seeking asylum.
Published
May 11, 2023

Lawmakers considering proposals to create statewide database for General Assistance

Tracking information could be an essential part of larger reforms for the program, some lawmakers and state officials say.
Published
May 5, 2023

Municipal leaders ask state to increase General Assistance reimbursements

Lawmakers are considering a handful of bills that would increase the state reimbursement to 90%.
Published
May 2, 2023

Plans to remove Bayside Trail encampment on hold as city seeks more feedback

The City Council’s Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee will look for more input from community partners and staff before meeting again next week.
Published
April 30, 2023

With shelter closing and apartments rising, Portland’s Bayside awaits transformation

Developers plan more than 800 units in the city’s gateway. Neighbors recognize the need for housing but have concerns about traffic, green space and where affordable units will be built.