Impact of current ICE actions on Preble Street

TAKE ACTION to Protect Maine’s Public Schools, Hospitals, Daycares, and Libraries from ICE 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 … Read more

Preble Street statement on ICE actions

TAKE ACTION to Protect Maine’s Public Schools, Hospitals, Daycares, and Libraries from ICE Keeping vulnerable people safe is core to the Preble Street mission. And right now, many of our community members, rightfully so, do not feel safe. Increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as part of the dehumanizingly named ‘Operation Catch of the Day,’ is creating constant fear and anxiety for so many of our neighbors.  Targeting … Read more

Doubling down on our mission in our 50th year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1j-w6NGTyc This short video reflects back on some of the impactful events of 2025 As I reflect on the 50th year of Preble Street, I’m struck by the contrasts. There was much cause for celebration — assuming operations of the Hope House low-barrier shelter in Bangor, the Grand Opening of the Food Security Hub, celebrating our … Read more

Staff highlight: Rich Tucker – Helping clients move forward

Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to Rich Tucker, Housing Support Worker, Teen Services How long have you worked at Preble Street? And in your current program? I’ve been at Preble Street since November 2005, and with Teen Services for almost 4 years. What do you … Read more

Staff highlight: Jacob Speakman – Creativity and confidence in the kitchen

Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to Jacob Speakman, Sous Chef at Preble Street Hope House  Name, title, and program: Jacob Speakman, Sous Chef, Preble Street Hope House  How long have you worked in your program? I started working in the Hope House Kitchen in … Read more

A bold step forward in the fight against hunger

“This place is just amazing. And thank goodness it’s ready for business. The timing for the opening of this Food Security Hub could not be better. With federal cuts to emergency food assistance and healthcare chipping away at the safety nets that help many people in our community stay fed, healthy, and housed, we collectively need … Read more

Staff highlight: JB – “I can’t think of anything I’d rather have done.”

Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to JB Carson, Veterans Housing Services Program Assistant  Name, title, and program: JB, Program Assistant, Veterans Housing Services (VHS)  How long have you worked at Preble Street? I’ve been here for 12 years.  What is a … Read more

Federal attacks on people in poverty

Instead of providing solutions to hunger, homelessness, and poverty, an onslaught of recent federal actions and policies are attacking the people suffering from these challenges. The massive cuts to food assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, and homeless prevention and housing programs are harming thousands of Mainers, including older adults, people with disabilities, Veterans, families, homeless youth and … Read more

An invaluable community connection

Preble Street’s work is never done in isolation. We are continuously making connections with other social service providers and nonprofits to better serve clients and the needs of the community. This month, we are highlighting a key partner of Preble Street Rapid Re-Housing Services and Veterans Housing Services, Trinity Jubilee Center.  Serving over 5,000 people … Read more

5 things to know…about recent federal efforts to criminalize homelessness

Person sleeping on sidewalk

If ensuring the basic human rights of people who are vulnerable and struggling in our community is important to you, right now is a critical time to speak up and out.  In the last few weeks, the White House has issued a directive to forcibly remove people experiencing homelessness from Washington, D.C., and an executive … Read more