How did you first get involved with Preble Street? I had heard great things about Preble Street, the critical nature of the work, and admired the mission. My former boss Elaine Rosen was on the board, and I knew a few others and wanted to see if I could help out. In my first assignment, … Read more
Since April 2010, Florence House has been a solution to homelessness. Florence House combines emergency shelter and permanent housing with 24/7 social work support for chronically homeless women. In the past 15 years, nearly 2,500 women experiencing homelessness have found a safe bed and a warm meal in the low-barrier shelter. And nearly 70 women … Read more
50 years ago, Joe Kreisler founded Preble Street as a real-world training ground for his students at the University of Southern Maine and a place for Portland’s most vulnerable residents to receive basic services—meals, clothing, bathrooms, etc.—and to connect to resources for healthcare, mental health treatment, employment, and more. “I am a human being. Part … Read more
Relentless. It’s a word that I often use when talking about how Preble Street approaches its work and commitment to the vulnerable people we serve and care about. This year – our 50th year – being relentless is more important than ever. We remain committed to our mission, our values, and to working towards a … Read more
Please join us to honor and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Preble Street! GATHER with supporters, former and current staff, volunteers, partner organizations, and community members to CELEBRATE all that we have accomplished in the last 50 years to find solutions for homelessness and hunger in Maine. This event is free to attend. Advance registration is requested. EVERYONE … Read more
“If you can’t get what you need, we’re here,” was the message Joe Kreisler wanted people experiencing poverty to hear when he founded High Street Resource Center (the organization that evolved into Preble Street) in 1975. For 50 years, Preble Street has been here – expanding far beyond a handful of social work interns in … Read more
How did you first get involved with Preble Street? I chaired the Greater Portland United Way Campaign in 1997 and toured every agency. The one that impressed me the most was Preble Street. What do you do when you’re not at Preble Street? I sit on corporate boards and investment committees; I spend time with … Read more
A sad reality of emergency shelters is that they are always at risk of closing their doors. Over the past fifteen years, at least nine shelters in Maine have closed due to funding issues. Site-based Housing First is the long-term permanent housing solution for many of the people in Maine experiencing chronic homelessness, but until the … Read more
Photo: Between 1981-1993, Preble Street operated a day shelter in this Chapel providing breakfast, phones, bathrooms, mail, and links to community services. As we approach this milestone anniversary of 50 years, I’ve been reflecting more and more on Preble Street’s history and its future. When I was hired in 1991, I was one of two employees at Preble Street, alongside Florence … Read more