They’ll beAtlantic Resolve, a critical component of the defense department’s European Deterrence Initiative. About 80 Maine National Guard soldiers are going to be deployed to Poland for a year starting this spring.  The soldiers are attached to the 120th Regional Support Group, one of two brigade-level headquarter units in Maine.  They’ll be supporting Atlantic Resolve, a critical component of the defense department’s European Deterrence Initiative. The commander of the 120th, Col. James Young, tells the AP, “We have assembled a phenomenal team, and we are proud to be asked to play a critical role in multi-national training and readiness support.” Its mission is to build readiness and enhance bonds with training events in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. Hike for the Homeless in Bangor draws hundreds in support of shelter services Bangor’s annual Hike for the Homeless raised funds and awareness to support local homeless services. BANGOR, Maine — With housing costs on the rise and affordable options harder to find, homelessness remains a growing challenge across Maine.  In an effort to help buoy financial support and raise awareness the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter hosted its annual Hike for the Homeless this weekend.  Hundreds turned out for the 2-mile walk through downtown Bangor, uniting around a shared goal: supporting people experiencing homelessness and the organizations that serve them. “Our shelter right now is full,” Boyd Kronholm, shelter director, said. “We have 38 beds and five extra mats on the floor.” This walk is the shelter’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and the organization set a goal to raise $40,000. That money goes directly toward supporting services such as case management, housing navigation, and maintaining the shelter’s operations. “It helps the shelter aides, navigators, case managers,” Kronholm added. “It also helps keep the lights on and the other utilities we have to pay.” But for organizers and participants alike, it’s about more than just dollars raised. “Just get some really great energy going together and really just create a sense of awareness around this issue,” event chair Mishael Romanelli explained Maria Andrew and Thomas Gagnon, members of the nonprofit Fusion Bangor, say the hike gives them a chance to reflect on the everyday struggles people who are homeless experience. “Imagine if we didn’t have somewhere to go back to after [the walk],” Gagnon said. “You get to experience and empathize a little deeper.” The event fosters not only understanding but also connection.  Eric Lee Edwards, who has faced years of housing instability, said it’s empowering to see community members come together. “It shows that the community cares,” Edwards said. “They want to be there and try and help people get back on track.” The funds raised help support caseworkers and shelter staff—the very people Edwards said make a difference for people when things feel overwhelming. “They’re always there for people,” he said. “They’re always there when they’re having mental breakdowns and to talk them through it and help them to get housing and on the right meds and stuff.” And with more fundraisers that support outreach services, Edwards said he feels even more people can have a chance at finding a fresh start. “It’s just good to know that there’s somewhere that can help you get your life back on track,” he added. “You don’t feel so alone.”