Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to Tim Stokes, Case Worker, Rapid Re-Housing Program
How long have you worked at Preble Street? Since January 2025
What do you like best about your role? Everyone’s situation is different – but a stable housing arrangement often depends on many things coming together. I enjoy tracking down these things and connecting resources to help others regain a sense of autonomy. I get to meet a lot of people across agencies and see many coworkers at different programs due to the nature of housing work.
What are the biggest challenges you face in that role? The unexpected barriers, the timeliness of opportunities, and the lack of affordable housing.
What is a favorite memory you have at your current program? I was able to work with someone who had recently lost their housing and we were able to assist with immediate intervention. This provided enough footing for their situation to stabilize very quickly and without much involvement apart from regular checking in. They would thank me for my work, when really, they were the one who had acted to change their situation.
What do you want people to understand about your job? Housing stability is complex and can profoundly affect a person’s mental and emotional wellness. It is difficult to address health and wellness without housing, and poor health and wellness can also become a barrier to housing.
What aspect of Preble Street makes you proud to work here? Community involvement and assisting with bridging resources. It is refreshing to see the many different aspects of work at Preble Street, as well as other public assistance agencies in Portland, and how they all come together to help.
What is your favorite hobby or activity? I like to ride my bike all over the place and am a dedicated book nerd – a big thank you to the library workers of the world. From Swamp Thing to Don Quixote, to Ursula K. Le Guin, I’m all about it.
Describe a funny or unique experience that you’ve had. One time I was playing basketball on Pleasant Street in Portland, and a quarter fell out of my friend’s shorts. It was spinning on its side and somehow managed to catch everyone’s attention, and we all stopped playing and watched it as it stopped, perfectly balanced on its side. Unlikely things happen from time to time!
Anything else you want people to know? When I first moved to Portland in 2006, it was common for people to talk to strangers while walking down the street. Most people knew the names of the more vulnerable people along Congress Street, and there was an undeniable feeling of care and empathy there. I think it was in part this quality which made Portland such a treasure, and I’m happy to see that still carries on.
Join our team!
Preble Street is committed to hiring individuals who want to make an impact in Maine through their diverse lived experience, education, and other learnings, are committed to providing low-barrier services directly to Mainers, and have a positive regard for individuals accessing services for homelessness and poverty.
From human resources to finance to casework to food programs, find the role that’s right for you!
Everyone’s situation is different – but a stable housing arrangement often depends on many things coming together. I enjoy tracking down these things and connecting resources to help others regain a sense of autonomy.
Meet more Preble Street staff:
Meet the Chefs
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