Volunteers power the work of Preble Street

The contributions of volunteers are part of the lifeblood of Preble Street, playing a crucial role in our ability to fulfill our mission and make a meaningful impact in the Portland community. They provide invaluable support in various areas across the organization, like with event planning, community outreach, meal prep at the Food Security Hub, … Read more

What is McKinney-Vento? Ensuring students experiencing homelessness have access to supports through school

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

Preble Street Welcomes New Board Members!

Preble Street is excited to announce the addition of three new board members, Justin Rosner, Chris Ellingwood, and Joe Ingream, all of whom joined this Fall. We look forward to their surely numerous and varied contributions to the board and Preble Street!  Continue reading to learn more about our new board members, Justin Rosner, Chris Ellingwood, … Read more

Thank You Volunteers!

The dedication, compassion, and hard work of Preble Street volunteers make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. This year, we’ve been fortunate to have over 1,150 individual volunteers contributing an astonishing 17,800 volunteer hours. The commitment of the many individuals who come out in all sorts of weather to create positive … Read more

Preble Street Board Profile – Chip Leighton: Curbside Winter 2023/24

How did you first get involved with Preble Street? About 15 years ago, I started volunteering at the (then) Soup Kitchen with a group from my church, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth. I spent the first five years or so on the cleanup crew before I finally graduated to kitchen duties! What do … 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

Maree Young: Most prolific delivery volunteer!

It’s no exaggeration to say that Preble Street’s pandemic-era transition to a production and delivery model of food service would not have been possible without the community members who have offered their time, energy, and even their vehicles to ensure that meals prepared at the Food Security Hub make it into the hands of the … Read more