“Homelessness is hard work… Sometimes, the hardest thing for a person who is homeless to do, believe it or not, is just getting out of bed knowing that he’s going to repeat today what he’s been doing all week long.” Orlando (pictured above), Advocate; Person experiencing homelessness
On Friday, June 20, while many of us took for granted the joy that is the official beginning of summer in Maine, our friends at Homeless Voices for Justice (HVJ) reminded community members that the longest day of the year, is also the Longest Day of Homelessness. Advocates, partners, and community members gathered in Tommy’s Park in Portland in recognition of the day.
2025 marks the 30 years of HVJ advocating for social change in Maine, and the 18th annual Longest Day of Homelessness Sit-out. Each year, this event coincides with the Summer Solstice to bring attention to the fact that homelessness is dangerous no matter the time of year. During the summer months, unsheltered individuals are at risk of potentially deadly heat, dehydration, and exposure. The affordable housing crisis and lack of emergency shelter space has resulted in too many Mainers being forced to live outside over the last few years.
This year’s speakers included HVJ Advocates, other community members with lived experience of homelessness, and Portland City Counselor Anna Bullett. Representatives from Through These Doors, EqualityMaine, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Democracy Maine, Maine People’s Alliance, and Disability Rights Maine had informational tables set-up throughout the day.
Federal government decimates funding to housing programs
As we shared earlier this month, there will soon be more tents and encampments popping up throughout Maine. In a continuation of massive cuts to programs helping people living in poverty, the current Administration has announced a huge change to how it will fund housing and homeless services. This new approach will decimate permanent supportive
1,200 Mainers at risk of reentering homelessness
CALL TO ACTION Call and email Senators Collins and King, and Representatives Golden and Pingree as often as you can — every day — and implore them to demand that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revise their disastrous changes to federal homelessness and housing policy. If they do not, more than 1,200
Preble Street Statement on SNAP
Update: November 10, 2025 We’re thankful to announce that full SNAP benefits have been issued for 97% of Maine recipients! A small percentage of households, mostly those who applied for SNAP benefits after November 2, have received reduced benefit amounts for this month. Many thanks to all who advocated for this, including Maine’s Governor, Attorney