The path to hunger, homelessness, and poverty is different for everyone—whether it’s an unexpected job loss, a chronic health problem, untreated mental illness, language barriers, or a history of domestic violence.  But it is always devastating and always difficult to know what to do next or where to turn for help.

When people arrive at the Adult Day Shelter overwhelmed by their circumstances, Caseworkers respond first to the immediate crisis and then help them confront the obstacles to their safety and stability.  Using a holistic approach that provides social services while meeting concrete needs for food, clothing and shelter, Caseworkers build on the positive resources and abilities of clients to facilitate independence and self-sufficiency, giving people a hand up and not just a hand out. 

Caseworkers provide support as people assess their situation, develop goals, and address issues including problems with health, mental health, substance abuse, employment, or entitlements. 

Services Provided

Casework staff includes social workers, employment caseworkers and multicultural caseworkers who are available when the Adult Day Shelter is open. In addition to working directly with clients, they provide referrals and access to other area providers for services such as health care, education, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and legal assistance; coordinate services; and mediate between individuals and service providers. Key services include:

• Assisting clients with emergency needs such as temporary shelter or food
• Individual assessment and service planning to develop goals and linkage to resources
• Review of financial issues and assistance with applications for entitlements such as food stamps, MaineCare, SSI, or housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter+Care, or BRAP
• Ongoing support for housing location and job readiness
• Advocacy for clients at both individual and systems levels.

Our Partners

Of the many human service partners Preble Street works with—some of which are the City of Portland Social Services programs, including Oxford Street Shelter and General Assistance; YAI Crisis Program; Catholic Charities Support and Recovery programs, including Community Integration and ACT team; Milestone Shelter and Detox Program; Shalom House programs, including Community Integration and Shelter+Care; Mercy Recovery; Spring Harbor Hospital; Maine Medical Center; Pine Tree Legal Assistance; Immigration Legal Assistance Project; Department of Health and Human Services Intensive Case Managers; Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine—one of the most integral is the Health Care for the Homeless Program through the City of Portland Public Health Division, which provides a free walk-in health clinic.

Services ranging from primary care check-ups to immunization and testing to mental health and substance abuse services are available at the clinic, co-located with Preble Street Adult Day Shelter and Teen Center.