“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.
Maine’s 40 Emergency Shelter Providers are thankful for one-time funding to support shelter operations
Maine’s emergency shelter providers applaud the passage of LD 698, An Act to Sustain Emergency Homeless Shelters in Maine. Relying on a mix of private philanthropy and government funding, emergency shelters have faced rising costs, weathered the pandemic and inflation, and continued to meet the changing and complex needs of individuals and families who need
Do your job as a Mainer: Make sure families in our state have food and healthcare!
Someone you know — likely MANY people you know — are about to lose food assistance and healthcare. Food and healthcare are basic human rights that, for many Mainers, are only possible through SNAP and Medicaid. The massive proposed cuts to these vital programs will harm thousands of Maine caregivers, older adults, people with disabilities, Veterans, families,
An evening of hope, joy, and compassion
On June 17, 2025, hundreds of people who share in our mission and values gathered to celebrate Preble Street’s 50th Anniversary! We knew it would be special, and the amount of hope, joy, and compassion swirling through the event was truly something to behold. Every person present brought an energy that added to the magic
