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 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 showers 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
LATEST NEWS
Preble Street assumes operations of Quarantine and Temporary Wellness Shelters in Lewiston
As of Sunday, May 16 Preble Street assumed operations of the 44 bed Quarantine and Temporary Wellness Shelters in Lewiston that have been run by Community Concepts Inc. (CCI) since early 2020. Many CCI shelter staff will continue their positions as Preble Street employees. “The critically important role of emergency shelters has never been more
Tell the Portland City Council: NO SHELTER MORATORIUM
Update June 4: The attempt to pass a moratorium on shelters in Portland needed 7 City Councilor votes to pass as an emergency measure. It failed by one vote. Now we have a tougher road ahead. This Monday, June 7, the Portland City Council will vote again to institute a moratorium on emergency shelters in
Maine Voices: As need for shelters in Portland grows, so does resistance to them
BY MARK R. SWANN SPECIAL TO THE PRESS HERALD Opening a new emergency shelter – or, I should say, trying to open a new emergency shelter – is perhaps the most challenging thing a social service agency can do. The politics are terrible, the neighborhood response can be vicious, the funding is woefully inadequate to both
FEATURED PREBLE STREET STORIES
Ben’s Story
A month before turning 18, Ben arrived at Preble Street after having stayed at multiple foster homes and youth shelters. Over the course of the spring and summer, Teen Services staff — along with collaborative partners — provided Ben the structure and stability he desperately wanted and needed. Ben gained
Jojo’s Story
JoJo became a tenant of Florence House after living in both the emergency shelter and safe haven housing in the building. “You have a place to go, you have people to talk to, you have the support of the staff. It’s a lot safer than being out in the streets…
Matthew’s Story
The first time Matthew experienced homelessness was when he was 14. He was living in the woods of rural Maine in a tent by himself. Depression about his situation led to substance use, which led to more depression, and he went a decade without seeing or speaking with his family.
HOUSING SERVICES
Preble Street is committed to providing safe, affordable, permanent housing and support to chronically homeless men and women in Maine. Our services are based on approaches to homelessness and chronic mental illness that have emerged nationally as key strategies for ending homelessness combined with experience gained at the Preble Street Resource Center.
TEEN SERVICES
Preble Street Teen Services meets the urgent needs of homeless and runaway youth — providing warmth and safety, nutritious meals, clothing, crisis intervention, and overnight shelter.
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.
FUSE is happening in Maine! Supportive housing solves homelessness. Thank you @CHOMHousing @CSHInfo @Maine_Housing @PrebleStreet @MeEqualJustice and Sheriffs Kevin Joyce and Troy Morton and DA Jonathan Sahrbeck! https://twitter.com/MaineDems/status/1403367834261069830
Hello Maine!
All kinds of good stuff happened in Augusta, including @GovJanetMills signing into law @MaineHouseDems' @Rep_Morales' bill to provide stable housing and community services to Mainers experiencing chronic homelessness. #mepolitics
Great day at the state house yesterday talking with legislators about the need for access to health care for immigrants (LD 718) with Presente Maine, @New_Mainers @PrebleStreet @MEWomensLobby @MaineCAHC and many others! #mepolitics
4The critical role that nonprofits play in Maine and across the country has never been more evident than in the past year. Thank you @SenAngusKing and @ChuckGrassley for introducing legislation that strengthens and invests in America’s charitable organizations!
We are pleased that @SenAngusKing and @ChuckGrassley are proposing bipartisan legislation to reform our charitable giving laws by restoring the connection between charitable tax benefits and benefits to charities. https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-grassley-introduce-legislation-to-ensure-charitable-donations-reach-working-charities
"A response to addiction with the criminal justice system at the center is not working... Poverty, abuse, trauma, disconnection – those are the enemies, not our neighbors struggling with addiction." http://pressherald.com/2021/06/09/our-view-maine-drug-laws-only-make-bad-situation-worse
