New program gives homeless teens second chance

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Nate Labrecque has called the Preble Street Shelters in Portland home for the past three years. After losing his mom as a young child and other family living situations failing him, he ended up on the streets. He had no money for a place of his own so a fold … Read more

Portland council gives library staffers power to expel unruly patrons

… Homeless advocates, however, argued that homeless people and minorities would become the targets. Jim Devine, an advocate for Homeless Voices for Justice, said the library is part of the "safety triangle," which also includes the Preble Street Resource Center and the Oxford Street Shelter. "Even if this policy change is not intended to target … Read more

Maine Calling: Maine Veteran Services

A look at some of the many services available to returning service men and women. Guests: Rob Liscord, Veteran Legal Services Outreach Coordinator, Paralegal, Pine Tree Legal Assistance John Ripley, Director, Military & Veterans Services, Easter Seals Maine Phil Allen, Preble Street Veterans Housing Services Coordinator Also, by phone, Peter Ogden with the Maine Bureau … Read more

Security changes may be coming to the Portland Public Library

PORTLAND (WGME) — The director of the Portland Public Library wants the city council to grant its security guards the power to ban people. Executive director Steve Podgajny says with at least 400,000 people coming in and out of the doors each year, issues pop up. If an issue escalates to a point where more … Read more

Portland council cool to idea of ‘constables’ at public library

… Amy Gallant, advocacy coordinator at the nonprofit Preble Street, which provides services to the city’s homeless, said the constable request was "worrisome." She said police officers are better trained to handle potential trespassing cases, and they have oversight from Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck, whom Gallant praised for his work with the homeless population. … Read more

Shawn McLaughlin: Gratitude in Action

One of the requirements for staying at the Congress Street house was meaningful activity, including regular volunteer work. McLaughlin began helping out at Preble Street. Preble Street assists area residents who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. After a month at Preble Street, kitchen manager Sue Ellen Sevigny suggested that McLaughlin work there full time. … Read more

On the Radio: Mark Swann

Mark Swann is the Executive Director of Preble Street, a Portland Organization that finds solutions for those who are experiencing homelessness, hunger and poverty. A finalist for the Congressional Medal of Honor, 51-year-old Swann has been with Preble Street for 23 years.  You were one of our earliest guests when you first came on Love … Read more

Cutler to appear at Preble Street forum on Oct. 23

A public forum featuring gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler has been postponed until Thursday, Oct. 23, at 9:30 a.m., organizers said. Cutler, who is among several candidates for public office scheduled to visit the Preble Street Resource Center this fall as part of the 20th annual "You Don’t Need a Home to Vote" Candidates’ Forum series, … Read more