Advocating for change this legislative session

As caseworkers on the frontlines work with clients to get their lives on track, the Preble Street Advocacy team, our many community partners, and individuals in our programs have been busy testifying for legislation that would greatly impact our community’s ability to address the hunger and homelessness crises in our state. Here is an update … Read more

Addressing unsheltered homelessness in Maine

No one should have to live outside, but that is what is happening to an unprecedented number of Mainers right now. In Portland, the Parks Department recently counted 102 tents set up by people experiencing homelessness — a new record for the area. The encampment on the Bayside Trail is a visual representation of the fact … Read more

Preble Street statement on Bayside Trail encampment

The encampment on the Bayside Trail is a visual representation of the fact that we are in the midst of a homelessness crisis, a crisis that is occurring all across Maine, not just here in Portland. It is absolutely devastating that so many people are left living outside and unsheltered due to a massive shortage … Read more

Responding to Winter Weather

Update 2/2/2023: Warming shelters will be available in the Portland area from Friday February 3 to Sunday February 5. The City of Portland, along with community partners and volunteers, will staff a temporary overnight shelter at the Salvation Army’s gymnasium at 297 Cumberland Avenue. The overnight warming shelter will be available from 3pm on Friday, … Read more

COVID Mitigation and Public Health

The pandemic showed how emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness are an important part of the public health infrastructure. These shelters, which are communal (congregate) spaces, remained open during the pandemic. Shelter staff and our partners in the healthcare industry expanded our work and services to keep our communities safe.  Three years after the first … Read more

Letter from Swannie: Curbside Winter 2022/23

For anyone paying attention over these last few years, it’s become abundantly clear that emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness are an important part of the public health infrastructure. Shelters didn’t close during the pandemic. Shelter staff and our partners in the healthcare industry did not work remotely. We stayed open, and, in many cases, … Read more

Board Profile: Terry Sutton, Board President

How did you get involved with Preble Street? I had Preble Street on my radar as one of the non-profits that I was most impressed with, and I wanted to be more involved in my community… but with small children and a demanding full-time job, I couldn’t see a way to get involved. Luckily, I … Read more

Portland gathers for Annual Homeless Vigil in honor of the 51 people who have died in 2022

A vigil to remember friends from the Greater Portland homeless community who have died will take place December 21 at 4:30pm. A crowd will gather in front of the MMC-Preble Street Learning Collaborative at 20 Portland Street and proceed by candlelight to Monument Square. Every year on the Winter Solstice — the longest night of homelessness … Read more

Top stories from 2022

It’s incredible what can be accomplished when we work together for the greater good, and 2022 was another example of that here at Preble Street. From opening brand-new programs like the Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter to celebrating milestone anniversaries of programs like the site-based Housing First program Huston Commons to continuing to expand and improve the facilities we opened … Read more