Exciting news: Renovations have begun at the Preble Street Hope House shelter in Bangor!
Preble Street assumed operations of Hope House in February, keeping one of Maine’s largest shelters open and ensuring that 56 people continued to have a warm, safe place to sleep and access to meals, clothing, laundry, and support to help them connect with housing, health care, family, and other critical resources.
The City of Bangor and Penobscot County understand the importance of emergency shelter and supported funding for renovations at Hope House. Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) owns the building, and kicked off the construction this month on the building. The building houses the emergency shelter, operated by Preble Street, and a transitional housing program, operated by PCHC. When these renovations are complete, Hope House will be an even more welcoming, safe, and trauma-informed space for people experiencing homelessness. This renovation will also allow us to increase capacity from 56 to 68 permanent shelter beds. These 12 additional beds will bring more people inside where they can get the care and services they need to move into permanent housing and a more stable future.
Staff at the Hope House groundbreaking
Shelters across the state are at capacity every night. Every tent and encampment you see is a visual representation that Maine needs more shelter beds, and that shelters need continued support to be able to keep their doors open. With the federal government continuing to cut funding for food assistance, health care, and housing, we can only expect the need for shelters to grow.
Low-barrier access to emergency shelters like Hope House is often the first step for unhoused people on their journey to safety, health, and stable long-term housing. To shore up Maine’s emergency shelter network in anticipation of increased homelessness, call or write to Governor Janet Mills, asking for increased permanent funding for emergency shelters. This funding will keep Maine’s emergency shelter beds open and ready for the anticipated influx of people seeking shelter, especially during these cold winter months.
Take Action: Tell Maine to provide permanent funding for emergency shelters!
UPDATE FEBRUARY 24, 2026: Mainers experiencing homelessness need you to advocate for shelter funding now! After the public hearing and work session on the shelter funding bill earlier this month, the Housing and Economic Development Committee has tabled the bill and is scheduling another work session. We cannot let this bill die in committee! From York to
One year of Hope House
In February 2025, Preble Street officially assumed operations of Hope House Shelter in Bangor! In that time, staff have helped an incredible 57 people move from the shelter into permanent housing and provided 268 individuals shelter and housing navigation services. 365 days/year, Hope House provides 56 people (68 when renovations are complete) in the Bangor area a safe place to sleep, warm meals, and connection to services that will help them move
Staff highlight: Annick Nzeyimana – Walking alongside clients
Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to Annick Nzeyimana, Case Worker, Anti-Trafficking Services. How long have you worked at Preble Street? I have been working at Preble Street and in the Anti-Trafficking Services program for the past two years. What do you like most about your role? What