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Leah McDonald, Vice President of Staff & Culture at Preble Street, shares how the recent surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Maine is affecting staff and their work.

How would you describe Preble Street staff and the work they do? 
Preble Street staff — whether they are social workers or administrative employees — show up every single day ready to solve problems. This past year, they have had to do so with fewer and fewer resources. Whether it’s finding an apartment for someone despite ever-higher rents, figuring out how to fund critical programs when federal grants are cut, or helping a young person surviving on their own find a job, they work so hard to make things better for the people in our community. They are incredible and are doing really hard work at a really hard time. 

I appreciate the many remarkable people who work at this agency. Preble Street could not be as responsive and nimble as it is without so many different viewpoints and skillsets as part of our team. Caseworkers are building relationships with clients, cooks are making delicious meals, and everyone is advocating in different ways to change the systems that perpetuate the injustices that keep people in poverty. There is so much need, and we are all working together to make a better world. 

How has increased ICE activity in Maine changed the day-to-day environment at Preble Street locations? 
When rumors about the increased presence of ICE began circulating earlier this month, you could almost feel the stress in the air. People who work at Preble Street are people that care deeply about other people and their safety. Now that it’s clear that an ICE surge is underway here in Maine, the anxiety and concern has only grown.  

Because of the chaos we’ve seen in other states and reports that legal immigrants and citizens are being detained, people are afraid. Afraid to come receive services they need, afraid for themselves and their families, afraid for their coworkers and friends. All of us are feeling the heaviness of the current political climate in our country. 

How does this atmosphere affect the work Preble Street does? 
Sitting with people who are suffering or at the worst moment in their life is part of the work at Preble Street. The thread that binds us together is that every single Preble Street staff member delivers care and compassion to the most vulnerable members of our community. They are feeding people. Caring for people. Making sure our neighbors have a safe and warm place to sleep. Finding resources that will lead to a more stable future. Sharing smiles and jokes. Being human.  

As we are all working to manage our own fears and uncertainty, along with the fears of all of the people in our community, Preble Street will continue to provide meals and outreach, support clients and partners, connect people to housing and other resources, and so much more. 

But even though we will relentlessly push forward, it does not mean that the current attacks on our community are okay. Or that the constant stress and fear staff are experiencing is okay. None of this is okay, and it will take a long time for our community to heal once we are through this moment.