Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month, we’re introducing you to Judith Uwimbabazi, Caseworker at Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter 

Name, title, and program: Judith, caseworker, Elena’s Way  

How long have you worked at Preble Street? Since December 2017. 

What do you like best about your role? Helping people and putting smiles on their faces. 

What are the biggest challenges you face in that role? The big challenge is when you want to help someone get housed. You go to the landlord, and without getting to know what good human beings they are, the landlord judges them. I want to help people start a new chapter in their lives. 

What aspect of Preble Street makes you proud to work here? When I first came to this country, I was homeless. I came to Preble Street, and there was a caseworker who told me to come inside. He told me not to be scared. To see Preble Street helping me without asking anything in return, I fell in love with Preble Street.  

In my mind, I was in heaven and wondered what was going on here. Nobody judged me. Every time I think about Preble Street helping me, how someone can feed me or give me clothes, without asking any questions. I told myself if I get an opportunity to work here and to continue this work, I would. It’s hard for me to put into words. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve heard? To believe in myself. To advocate for myself. Where I was coming from, I didn’t know how to advocate for myself. You follow what people tell you to do, and I didn’t have choices. So, Preble Street has taught me a lot. Preble Street has helped me a lot. The human being that I am today is because of Preble Street and working hard. 

What are some of your favorite local spots to visit? I like to go out to the beach with my kids or to the Portland Museum of Art. 

Join our team! From human resources, to casework, to finance, to food programs, find the role that’s right for you! View current job openings here.