What is McKinney-Vento? Guaranteeing unsheltered youth access to education

According to the Maine Housing Authority, on a given night in Maine, roughly ~4,250 people are experiencing homelessness. Of those people, 55% are part of households with at least one child. While not always as visible, clearly homelessness and housing instability is a problem experienced by youth, teens, and children. It should not be a … Read more

Preble Street Teen Services Named Beach to Beacon Beneficiary

In February 2024, TD Bank made the exciting announcement that Preble Street Teen Services will be the beneficiary of the 26th running of the TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This year’s race will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024.  “Preble Street Teen Services provides critical support to teens in need in our community.” … Read more

Get to Know Elisa Fleig, Preble Street’s Volunteer Program Manager

Elisa Fleig, Volunteer Program Manager at Preble Street, is passionate about locally sourced, sustainable food. She feels lucky to have her desk located in the Food Security Hub – Preble Street’s production kitchen and meal distribution center. In fact, Preble Street’s commitment to serving nutritious, and culturally relevant meals to people experiencing food insecurity is what … Read more

Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention month, a time to refocus our efforts to educate people about what trafficking looks like and who it impacts.   Hailey Virusso, Director of Anti-Trafficking Services, shared in the Portland Press Herald this month, “While there is no singular picture or face of human … Read more

What can you do in one year? A look at Preble Street impacts in 2023: Curbside Winter 2023/24

Three Preble Street programs celebrated their first year of operation in 2023! Elena’s Way, a Preble Street Wellness Shelter Elena’s Way serves the needs of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, individuals unable to access other shelter services, and individuals who are extremely vulnerable should they be unsheltered. At Elena’s Way, guests have control of their own … Read more

November is Youth Homelessness Month

“I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Teen Center.” Tricia  After the last Point in Time count in January 2022, there were 3455 people experiencing homelessness in Maine and approximately 30% of that population was under the age of 24. Homeless youth experience higher levels of human trafficking, interpersonal … Read more

Teen Services Expands Housing and Outreach Programs to Biddeford

Guy Gagnon, Biddeford Housing Authority Executive Director, and Hailey Virusso, Preble Street Director of Teen Housing and Outreach Services discuss the vision for the new transitional housing units for youth experiencing homelessness. For six years, Preble Street’s First Place Transitional Living Program, part of its Teen Housing Services programming, has provided low-barrier housing for youth … Read more

Youth homelessness and the right to education

A lack of housing shouldn’t be a barrier to the right to education.  Whether they’re couch surfing with friends, sleeping in a car, hotel, or motel, or staying at a shelter, at least 15,000 youth and young adults experience homelessness each year in Maine. Thankfully, schools are federally mandated by The McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act … Read more

10 Things to Know about Youth Homelessness in Maine

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Educate yourself and your community about the issue of youth homelessness and what we can do to end it in Maine!  Every year in Maine, at least 15,000 youth and young adults experience the tragedy of homelessness; in fact, this year more than 30% of Maine’s homeless population … Read more