UPDATE FEBRUARY 24, 2026: Mainers experiencing homelessness need you to advocate for shelter funding now! After the public hearing and work session on the shelter funding bill earlier this month, the Housing and Economic Development Committee has tabled the bill and is scheduling another work session. We cannot let this bill die in committee! From York to … Read more
In February 2025, Preble Street officially assumed operations of Hope House Shelter in Bangor! In that time, staff have helped an incredible 57 people move from the shelter into permanent housing and provided 268 individuals shelter and housing navigation services. 365 days/year, Hope House provides 56 people (68 when renovations are complete) in the Bangor area a safe place to sleep, warm meals, and connection to services that will help them move … Read more
Maine needs and deserves safe, accessible, professionally run, and sustainable emergency shelters that can meet the needs of the growing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our state. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, shelter executive directors and staff from across the state went to Augusta to advocate for a sustainable funding source that … Read more
The second session of the 132nd Maine Legislature began on January 7 and will run until April 15. Maine’s Legislature works in two-year cycles that include a long and a short session. We are in the short session, which covers only two types of bills: carry-overs (bills filed last session that still need to be … Read more
Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month, we’re introducing you to Judith Uwimbabazi, Caseworker at Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter Name, title, and program: Judith, caseworker, Elena’s Way How long have you worked at Preble Street? Since December 2017. What do you like best about your role? Helping people and … Read more
Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month, we’re introducing you to Sarah Geores, Caseworker at Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter Name, title, and program: Sarah, caseworker, Elena’s Way How long have you worked at Preble Street? Since December 2022 What do you like best about your role? … Read more
Maine’s emergency shelter providers applaud the passage of LD 698, An Act to Sustain Emergency Homeless Shelters in Maine. Relying on a mix of private philanthropy and government funding, emergency shelters have faced rising costs, weathered the pandemic and inflation, and continued to meet the changing and complex needs of individuals and families who need … 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
Preble Street Food Programs is committed to providing the most nutritious, delicious, and balanced meals possible for people struggling with food insecurity in Maine. While recent updates to the Preble Street Food Security Hub have made this easier, there are still unique challenges. We rely on donations, meaning we often don’t know what ingredients we … Read more
During our 50 years in operation, Preble Street has had to adapt to changing needs and a shifting landscape many times. Never was this truer than in the days, months, and years that followed March 16, 2020. Five years ago this month, while the world was urged to stay home, a question loomed over staff … Read more