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OUR MISSION

The mission of Preble Street is to provide accessible barrier-free services to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty, and to advocate for solutions to these problems.

Our Programs

From a nutritious meal to crisis intervention, from clean clothes to healthcare, from shelters to a permanent home, Preble Street programs not only meet urgent needs but also create solutions to homelessness and hunger.

Who We Serve

The people we meet come from every background. Some were born into abject poverty and abuse. Others were born into a loving and stable family, but life’s circumstances dictated a wildly unanticipated course.

OUR ANNUAL IMPACT

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homeless youth find safety, services, and housing
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Veterans and their families receive housing support
1 M
meals served to families and individuals in need
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homeless adults have basic needs met & work towards goals
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survivors of human trafficking reclaim their lives
30000
shelter nights avoided through Site-based Housing First

Preble Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on the generosity of friends who lend their time and their resources. Every gift you make, every hour you spend, helps those most in need.

LATEST NEWS

The importance of funding for low-barrier shelters

Hundreds of Mainers are living outside in the elements in our parks, alongside our highways, and on our streets. With shelters across the state at capacity every night, each tent you see is a visual representation of the critical need for shelter beds in communities all across our state. It is inhumane for people to

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No Homeless Veterans Challenge to continue

Veteran homelessness is a big, but solvable problem, in Maine. And Mainers are united in the belief that no Veteran should have to endure the struggle of homelessness. In August 2023 when the No Homeless Veterans Challenge launched, there were over 200 Maine Veterans in homeless shelters, sleeping outside, or living in their cars and

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November is Youth Homelessness Month

“I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Teen Center.” Tricia  After the last Point in Time count in January 2022, there were 3455 people experiencing homelessness in Maine and approximately 30% of that population was under the age of 24. Homeless youth experience higher levels of human trafficking, interpersonal

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Portland Radio Group raises $29,000 (and counting!) for Preble Street

On Monday, November 20, 2023, local radio stations Coast 93.1, 98.9 WCLZ and 101.9 WPOR joined together for the 18th annual Neighbors in Need Donation Drive fundraiser for Preble Street. More than 400 people and local organizations donated that morning and exceeded the $20,000 goal to raise $29,000 and counting! Donations are still coming in.

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Contact Portland City Councilors to ask them to stop the sweeps and continue to work on solutions that will move people to shelter and housing

On Monday, November 20, 2023, at 5 pm, the Portland City Council will consider an ordinance amendment drafted by City Councilors Anna Trevorrow and Roberto Rodriguez that will effectively place a moratorium on encampment sweeps and lift the “emphasis” area designations through April 30, 2024. Please reach out to Portland City Councilors to ask them

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FEATURED STORIES

Larry’s Story

Larry, a U.S. Navy Veteran, has lived in Maine since junior high. Unfortunately, due to rising housing, utility, and food costs, he found himself facing homelessness at age 63. After hearing about Preble Street Veterans Housing Services from a fellow Veteran and friend,

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Mark’s Story

Sitting at his kitchen table in the apartment he’s been living in since Spring 2023, 27-year-old Mark is hopeful. “I just have a lot more peace of mind and feel more at peace with myself. I can relax and work on maintaining my

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Erin’s Story

Erin’s Story On a beautiful, sunny day in May, Erin talks about her home with a bright smile on her face. “It’s so comforting to know you’re home. It’s your home. It’s just a sense of security you don’t have when you’re in

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Every week 350 community volunteers lend a hand at Preble Street and almost 100% of the food and clothing we distribute is donated. We welcome — we depend on — your time, financial support, or in-kind donations. We welcome — we depend on — your time, financial support, and in-kind donations. Volunteering at one meal a year, once in a while, or every week; donating work boots for someone trying to turn their life around, or organizing a fundraiser — every gift you give helps those most in need.